A partnership between the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and Northern Kentucky University is creating more direct pathways from education to careers by better aligning programs for students.
The partnership is designed to make it easier for students to move from KCTCS to NKU.
“At KCTCS, we have 120,000 students, many of which have different pathways on their educational journeys,” said KCTCS President Ryan Quarles. “It doesn’t matter if they are coming to us for a high-quality technical degree and want to go straight into the workforce, or for an associate’s degree, we meet students where they are at in their journey in life, and we are very proud of that.”
For Gateway Community & Technical College graduate Christopher Cannon, college once felt out of reach. Coming from a family that faced financial challenges, higher education didn’t seem like a realistic option.
“My journey didn’t start with a clear path,” Cannon said. “My parents were always in my corner, but I didn’t want to add financial burden to their shoulders.”
Through the River City Promise Program, Cannon received free tuition at Gateway, with a path to transfer to Northern Kentucky University. He is now preparing to graduate from NKU’s master’s program in athletic training.
“The River City Promise program didn’t just help me earn degrees, it helped me build toward a future and change my entire life,” Cannon said. “It gave me the chance to turn uncertainty into purpose and hardship into motivation. Because of this program, I stand here today as a soon to be graduate ready to serve others and improve lives through healthcare.”
The agreement is updated each year to reflect academic and workforce needs and is intended to remain in place long term.
“This partnership is about meeting students where they are and helping them move forward with confidence,” said NKU President Cady Short-Thompson. “By creating clear, connected pathways from KCTCS to NKU, we are making it easier for students to build momentum, stay on track, and reach their goals.”