ECTC Foundation

For Nakeira Steele, graduating from ECTC is more than a milestone; it demonstrates her resilience, determination, and a calling to help others.

Living with sickle cell disease while caring for her young niece, Nakeira balanced school, work, and medical treatments on her journey to an Associate in Arts. With support from ECTC, the foundation, and donors like you, she overcame challenges that could have derailed her path. Her story is a powerful example of what happens when student support and community generosity come together.

Read more about Nakeira’s inspiring journey and future below.

https://elizabethtown.kctcs.edu/blog/posts/20260518-nakeira-steele.aspx

Interested in learning more about the Family Scholar House Student Parent Housing Program in Elizabethtown?

Join the Family Scholar House team on July 17 from 10 to 11 a.m. in ATB Room 103 at ECTC to learn about eligibility requirements, supportive services, and how students can live, learn and thrive while pursuing their education. Prospective participants, community members, and community partners are all welcome to attend!

For more information, reach out to Family Scholar House at 270-706-8835 or [email protected].

The most fun you’ll have for a great cause? UnGala 2026.

No black tie required—just bring your good vibes and your heart for students!

Friday, August 28, 2026
Doors open at 6 p.m.
ECTC Student Center
Tickets: $75 at ectc.us/ungala

Trust us—you don’t want to miss this!

In April at Family Scholar House at ECTC, there were:
• 259 lunch box visits,
• 99 snack bags distributed, and
• 45 pantry visits.

That’s hundreds of moments where students didn’t have to choose between food and school.

Your help in ending food insecurity means ECTC students can succeed.

Why I Give: Jennifer Swope

Jennifer Swope's Message | ECTC Foundation Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

It’s HERE… UnGala 2026 is calling your name!

Dust off your dancing shoes (or don’t—no judgment) and join us for a night of fun, food, and making a real difference for ECTC students.

Friday, August 28, 2026
Doors open at 6 p.m.
ECTC Student Center
Tickets are $75 and available at ectc.us/ungala

Spots will go fast, so grab yours now, and let’s make it a night to remember!

We had a great time celebrating with some of our Family Scholar House at ECTC volunteers yesterday!

Volunteers help us expand our reach and get the job done, making sure more students receive the support they need to succeed.

Thank you to all of our volunteers! We couldn't do this without you!

What happens when great ideas meet a community that cares? ECTC students become unstoppable!

Because of our Student Success Circle donors, $25,000 in grants are helping faculty and staff turn their ideas into real support for students as they work through challenges and reach their goals.

We’re excited to share that Chef Robey Smith was selected as this year’s Student Success Circle Grant winner for the Knife Lending Program.

Also receiving full or partial funding:

* JoNell Henderson & Dr. Telly Sellars: Sharpen Gateway
* Tabitha Kerr: Your ECTC Journey Begins Here
* Ann Knopp: Work Study Leadership Conference
* Jerisia Lamons: Career Pathways

Congratulations to our winners, and thank you to our Student Success Circle members for making this possible!

In April, 273 students at ECTC accessed support through Family Scholar House—54 for the first time.

That’s 845 total services delivered to help students stay enrolled, stable, and moving forward!

When students have support, success becomes possible.