The EDA-funded Todd County Career Path Institute in Kentucky Opens Facility and Wins 2016 “Spirit of Kentucky Award”

In FY 2013, EDA invested $1.5 million in Todd County (KY) Fiscal Court to help build the Todd County Career Path Institute.

Declining economic conditions and natural disasters led Todd, Christian, and Logan counties to pledge local dollars to assist with the funding of the building.

The facility opened on May 10, 2016, and welcomed its first students on August 22, 2016. The facility offers the students an opportunity to work towards an industry standards certificate and receive college credit. The Institute also provides training for adults and high school students in key regional workforce needs such as welding, program logistic controllers, electrical circuit training, robotics, hydraulics and pneumatics.

Major industrial employers in the commuting area include: Akebono Brake Corporation, Bridgestone Metalpha, Hankook Tire, SPX Contech Metal Forge, Trane, and Vulcan Corporation. LG plans to open a manufacturing facility in nearby Clarksville, Tennessee.

The project won the 2016 Spirit of Kentucky Award, which was presented at the Governor’s annual Local Issues Conference. In addition, the project won a 2016 Innovation Award from the National Association of Development Organizations (NADO).

In May 2017 the Kentucky Work Ready Skills Initiative awarded Christian County Public Schools $4.2 million, which allowed the Institute to expand its diesel equipment program that is helping businesses obtain the skilled workers they need to succeed.