Southeast and Partners for Rural Impact launch Promise Scholars program for Letcher County graduates

Published on Jun 29, 2026

Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC), in partnership with Partners for Rural Impact (PRI), has launched the Promise Scholars Program, a summer bridge initiative designed to help recent graduates of Letcher County Central High School successfully transition to college.

The Promise Scholars Program provides students with an opportunity to begin building the academic, personal, and career readiness skills needed to succeed in higher education while becoming familiar with the college environment before the start of the fall semester. Through participation in FYE 105, Southeast's first-year experience course, students develop strategies for academic success while strengthening communication, problem-solving, and other durable skills that support both educational and career achievement.

"At Southeast, we are committed to helping students succeed both in the classroom and beyond graduation," said Dr. Erin Reasor, acting chief academic officer and dean of healthcare and technical programming at SKCTC. "Programs like Promise Scholars give students an early opportunity to develop the academic, communication, and problem-solving skills that support success in college, the workforce, and their communities. We are proud to partner with Partners for Rural Impact to help students build a strong foundation for their future."

Safia Sykes, project director at Partners for Rural Impact, said the organization is proud to partner with Southeast to support students as they begin their college journey.

"Partners for Rural Impact is proud to support the summer bridge program to help ensure Letcher County students have a successful transition to college, which creates a strong foundation for future academic, career, and personal success,” Sykes said. “Our partnership with Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College reflects a shared commitment to building on local resources and relationships to create the opportunities young people in the community need to tap into their potential.”

Dr. Sandy Holbrook, professor at SKCTC and instructor for the 20-student Promise Scholars cohort, said she was excited to have the opportunity to teach students in a face-to-face environment during the summer term.

"When I was approached about teaching FYE 105 in person this summer, I was excited for the opportunity," Holbrook said. "Most summer courses are taught online, so having the chance to interact with students in a live classroom setting is a welcome change. When I arrived on campus the first day, the parking lot was full, and I walked into a classroom of 20 students eager to learn together."

Holbrook said the course also provides an opportunity to connect students with skills that extend beyond the classroom.

"This course allows us to discuss Southeast's Quality Enhancement Plan and help students understand how the skills they develop in the college classroom translate into durable, essential skills in the workplace," she said. "I am excited to work with this group of students and learn alongside them throughout the summer."

The Promise Scholars Program reflects a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunities for students in Eastern Kentucky and strengthening pathways to college success. Through partnerships such as this, Southeast continues to invest in student success and workforce development while helping students achieve their educational and career goals.