Skip to content

Category: News

  • Owensboro CTP Graduates First Students

    Owensboro CTP Graduates First Students

    Owensboro CTP Graduates First Students

    Gavin Basham and Amie Morris are trailblazers in the CLS Program.

    Owensboro Community and Technical College (OCTC) graduated its first two students this spring from the Career and Life Skills certificate program: Gavin Basham and Amie Morris.

    The Career and Life Skills certificate is designed to improve employment options through college-level coursework that includes life-long learning skills, digital literacy, and career exploration, as well as essential workplace skills through experiential learning opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities.

    The program is a 2-year program that started at OCTC in the fall of 2022 with Gavin and Amie being the first participants in the program. There are now a total of 6 students in the CLS program.

    Gavin Basham was interested in working in kitchens and restaurants. He gained much experience in food preparation and culinary arts. Through his CLS internships he was offered a job at one of his placements.

    Amie Morris found real joy and vision in the art classes that she took over the semesters. The artwork she produced astonished everyone around her. Although she has completed the CLS certificate, she may continue enrolling in other art classes here at OCTC.

    We are so proud of our CLS graduates!

  • University of Kentucky Celebrates Students

    University of Kentucky College and Career Studies Program Celebrates Students

    The Human Development Institute at the University of Kentucky recognized the following Kentucky Supported Higher Education Partnership (KSHEP) students for their achievements in a ceremony on May 2, 2024:

    Completion of College and Career Studies program at the University of Kentucky

    • Sara Jones (primary focus on Universal Design, Animal Care and Support, and Storytelling in Literature).
    • Justin Harmon (primary focus on Universal Design, Theatre Arts, and Advocacy and Inclusion).
      Completion of Undergraduate Certificate in Universal Design
    • Callie Baesler
    • Kate Boudreaux
    • Will Lyon
    • Sara Jones
    • Justin Harmon

    Spotlight on new CCS alums:

    Justin Harmon

    The College and Career Studies (CCS) program at the University of Kentucky helped me achieve my dream of going to college.  

    I am thankful for the opportunity it gave me to attend many interesting classes, learn new things, make new friends, and experience campus life.  I will forever be grateful for my time as a CCS student at UK, and will always be proud to call myself an official Wildcat! 

    Justin Harmon, CCS alum
    Justin in front of UK Wildcat statue

    Justin in front of UK Wildcat statue

    Sara Jones (left), Ann Switzer (right), and Erin Fitzgerald (background)

    Sara Jones (left), Ann Switzer (right), and Erin Fitzgerald (background)

    Sara sitting with the UK Wildcat statue

    Sara sitting with UK Wildcat statue

    Sara Jones

    Things I learned in college:  

    • I learned ways to communicate effectively with others.​
    • I can use what I have learned about Universal Design and Universal Design for Learning in many environments.  ​
    • I learned that I am most interested in caring for and supporting animals when thinking about a future career.  ​
    • I learned to be an advocate for myself and others for resources to be inclusive and accessible to everyone.  ​
    • I learned that I can overcome challenges that come with being a neurodivergent person.  ​
    • I learned that I can be successful. 
    Sara Jones, CCS Alum

    Thanks to everyone who made the 2023/2024 academic year a success! Congrats to all the students who completed a milestone this year, and also to students who completed their first year. We can’t wait to see what you all do next!

  • Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 12: Interview with Dr. Ryan Mason from UK Health and Wellness

    Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 12: Interview with Dr. Ryan Mason from UK Health and Wellness

    Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 12: Interview with Dr. Ryan Mason from UK Health and Wellness

  • Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 10: The Lexington Public Library with Eden Wilder

    Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 10: The Lexington Public Library with Eden Wilder

    Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 10: The Lexington Public Library with Eden Wilder

  • Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 9: The Helping Paw with Clark Frazier

    Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 9: The Helping Paw with Clark Frazier

    Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 9: The Helping Paw with Clark Frazier

  • Celebrating NKUs CTP Students

    Celebrating NKU’s Comprehensive Transition Program Students

    SHEP Newsletter from NKU is printed in shades of green. Several shamrocks are placed throughout. The newsletter features several student images, as well as a description (in image) of their activities on campus.
  • Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 8: Interview with Dr. Nicholas Wright

    Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 8: Interview with Dr. Nicholas Wright

    Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 8: Interview with Dr. Nicholas Wright

  • Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 7: Impactful Stories

    Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 7: Impactful Stories

    Community Spotlight Podcast – Episode 7: Impactful Stories

  • January 2024 KSHEP Newsletter

    January 2024 KSHEP Newsletter

    Owensboro and WKU’s approved Comprehensive Transition Programs brings the total CTPs to six in the Commonwealth. A spotlight on UK’s CCS Program.

    View newsletter

    Subscribe to our newsletter!

  • Program Spotlight: University of Kentucky College and Career Studies Program

    Program Spotlight: University of Kentucky College and Career Studies Program

    Fall 2023 Semester Highlights

    Career Exploration and Community Engagement

    5 students are also working toward an undergraduate certificate in Universal Design.

    During the semester, practicum students explored their career interests by engaging in campus and community activities.

    Highview Arts Center | Theater Focus

    Justin helped the team at Highview Arts Center prepare for a sensory-friendly performance of their production of A Christmas Carol. He researched and shared information with them and also helped set up an area where attendees could go take a break during the show when needed. It was a HUGE success. Read more about Highview

    Lexington Writer’s Room | Literary Focus

    Will spent time learning about local and regional writing communities, and ways to connect with them. He focused on the design of both the physical spaces and also events and processes related to the literary community. He developed his own writing process and also connected with other writers to think about how he might engage more in the future. Read more about Lexington Writer’s Room

    Early Childhood Lab | Dance & Movement Focus

    Kate worked alongside another UK student, Kendall (a senior and dance major) to bring dance and movement activities to UK’s Early Childhood Lab. They presented dance activities weekly to the kids and took data on which activities were best received, and notes about how to ensure that the activities and spaces were well designed for all involved. Read more about the Early Childhood Lab

    Community Spotlight Podcast | Highlighting campus and community events

    Callie and Sara worked together to create a new podcast called Community Spotlight, which highlights things of interest on campus and in the community. The podcast was a great way to learn about different things happening in the community, and to make some connections with people and places of interest. Community Spotlight will also continue into future semesters with other students.

    You can check out the podcast here: https://hdikshep.podbean.com/