Barren County Area Technology Center gets $6.84 million grant

BOWLING GREEN Ky. – The Barren County Area Technology Center was the recipient of an $8.4 million work ready skills grant, and the school celebrated Tuesday with a ribbon cutting.

With this money, the ATC was able to bring a new diesel shop to life, giving Barren County students more opportunities to jump start their careers. Barren County diesel instructor Tim Strode said the students are lucky to have these opportunities.

“We’ve got all the latest and greatest technology and the best tools that money can buy in here. The kids have a real privilege to be able to use this and be able to train with it,” Strode said.

And the new additions to the diesel shop are just icing on the cake. All workshops in the ATC have been given more tools for success.

The funding came from the state, and students are thrilled that their career paths are being supported.

“It’s amazing. That’s about the only words I’ve got. It’s amazing that they would be able to do stuff like that. It’s pretty cool,” said Barren County senior Zack Wilson.

As the students get back to the daily grind, the spark that inspires them will also inspire the staff to keep on trucking.

“It’s an honor to be here. It’s an honor to be able to work in this facility. All the teachers here pour their heart into what they do, and it’s a real privilege to be able to be here and work with the children,” Strode said.