SKCTC celebrates Harlan students ‘Going Pro’ with new careers

During Community College Month, Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College is proud to recognize students and graduates who are “Going Pro” by committing to high-demand, full-time careers after graduation.

Dr. Patsy Jackson, SKCTC interim president/CEO, said, “We’ve always celebrated students who sign letters of intent to play sports at four-year colleges, but what about those going straight into the workforce? That’s what ‘Going Pro’ is all about,” she added. “Recognizing the achievements of students who are entering their careers, changing their lives, and contributing to their communities.”

SKCTC’s inaugural “Going Pro” Signing Day was held this week at the Harlan Campus in partnership with the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce. Bell and Knox County students will be recognized in the coming weeks as part of the monthlong initiative.

The event spotlighted two outstanding students: Asteria Howard and Amber Stepp.

Howard earned two associate degrees in criminal justice and art as well as a certificate in criminal justice in December 2024. She is now employed full-time as a court designated worker for Harlan County through the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts.

“I wanted to leave Harlan better than I found it,” Howard said. “This college didn’t just change my life—it’s giving the next generation a chance, too.”

Her supervisor, Angela Boggs, praised Howard’s work ethic and impact. “Asteria’s unwavering commitment to the youth and families we serve is a blessing to our department and the community,” she said.

Stepp, who earned a recovery coach certificate in fall of 2024 and will graduate in May 2025 with an associate in arts degree, has accepted a leadership position as lead peer recovery specialist for Appalachian Regional Healthcare, serving both Kentucky and West Virginia.

“I went from working at the Huddle House to leading a system-wide recovery support team,” Stepp said. “That would not have been possible without Southeast and people like Erica [Farmer-Miller] believing in me.”

Lauren Short, ARH emergency room director, commended Stepp’s journey. “Amber brings lived experience and leadership to our recovery team,” she said. “Her passion, kindness, and drive to help others are inspiring. All of us at ARH couldn't be prouder to celebrate everything she does.”

“Going Pro” is sponsored by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the Kentucky Department of Education.

During 2023-24, nearly 95% of all KCTCS credentials awarded were in programs aligned to the state’s top five targeted industry sectors – advanced manufacturing, business/IT, construction/skilled trades, healthcare, and transportation/logistics – or designed to transfer to a four-year university.

For more information, visit: goingpro.kctcs.edu