LEXINGTON, Ky. — In the Appalachian foothills of Eastern Kentucky, a group of high school students will begin college courses this fall without ever leaving their classrooms.
Thanks to a new initiative from the University of Kentucky’s College of Social Work (CoSW), up to 45 students from Fleming County, Menifee County, and Paintsville high schools will enroll in a dual credit course, earning both high school and college credit. The course, Introduction to Criminal Justice, will be offered at no cost to students. It marks the College’s first venture into dual credit education.
“Dual credit programs are one of the most effective ways to bolster college enrollment and completion,” said Matt Moore, associate dean at CoSW, who helped lead the effort. “For many, college can feel like a distant reality—financially, academically, and geographically. This program brings it closer.”
The course is part of a broader effort to increase college readiness and expand educational pathways for Kentucky high schoolers. Earlier this year, CoSW launched the 606 Initiative: EKY E.D.G.E. (Education. Development. Growth. Empowerment.), a program specifically designed to support students from Eastern Kentucky’s 606 area code.
In addition to dual credit offerings, the initiative provides comprehensive support through application fee waivers, scholarships, mentorship, and career development resources—all aimed at helping students pursue higher education and thrive in social work or criminal justice careers.
“We believe opportunity shouldn’t depend on geography,” said Dr. Jay Miller, dean of CoSW. “This initiative is about meeting students where they are and helping them get to where they want to be.”
