Student Recognition

Read about the incredible accomplishments of our current students and alumni, how MC helped to shape their future, and their advice for other MC participants.

Student Spotlights

Jade Podbelsek

Student Spotlight

Jade excels in all aspects: job performance, academic performance, and work-life balance.

Read More about Jade Podbelsek
Ruth Mateyoke

Student Spotlight

Ruth has always enjoy the creativity that cooking has provided her.

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Bella Fichetola

Student Spotlight

This career is the perfect mix of helping others and extending her love of biology.

Read More about Bella Fichetola
Molly Pettit

Student Spotlight

"I’m motivated by the fact that at the end of my degree I will be able to help people with their challenges and that it’s ok to be different."

Read More about Molly Pettit

More Student Spotlights Video Spotlights

Students in the News

Testimonials

I was looking for an opportunity to better myself and I have been able to gain invaluable management experience and a competitive paycheck. I received a housing stipend when I moved to Louisville as a participant in the UPS Kentucky LOOP program. I plan to eventually become a pilot. I have begun flight training at Louisville Aviation. I graduated with my associate’s degree from JCTC in Spring 2020. I am currently working to get my business administration degree at UofL. This Metro College program has had such an incredibly positive impact on my life. I highly recommend that Metro College students take part in the High 5 program offered the Commonwealth Credit Union (CCU). CCU helped me to purchase my first house and they are extremely helpful for Metro students regardless of your financial goals. CCU is so much more than a bank!

Hometown: Maryville, TN; Harrodsburg, KY

Andrew Kirkland

The benefits of Metro College extend far beyond tuition payment. I learned the importance of networking and building professional relationships and also how to be successful in the job search process. I graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus in Management in May 2010. Since leaving the Metro College program, I earned my Master of Arts in Higher Education Administration and currently serve on the Board of Directors for the Family Scholar House. I am forever grateful for Metro College and the role the staff played in my professional development.

Hometown: Louisville, KY

Joi Williams

There were times I wanted to quit, but I stuck with it and now I am so grateful I was able to do that. It is nice knowing I don't have any college debt to overcome, and the memories and friends I made through the Metro College program will last a lifetime. Since leaving Metro College, I have worked my way up the career ladder. I started as a sports reporter for a newspaper in Portsmouth, OH, and also worked as a sports broadcaster for a radio station in Portsmouth. Currently, I am a Sports Director at My Town TV in Ashland, KY, which is a social media based TV station essentially that streams local high school and college sporting events in northeastern Kentucky and southeastern Ohio.

Hometown: Ashland, KY

Ben Spicer

Stick with it! It took me five years to obtain my degree, which meant I worked 3rd shift for five years while attending school during the day. It was one of the most challenging things I've ever done, but it was the best thing I could have ever done for myself professionally.

Hometown: Louisville, KY

Ashley Kratz
Read More in Ashley's Spotlight Article

I was a first-generation college student and the Metro College Program afforded me another group of individuals looking out for me on campus. They were able to advocate between me and UPS while in undergrad and they made the process really smooth. Now as an alum I get to give back by mentoring new Metro College participants. Since completing the Metro College program, I went on to complete my commitment to Teach for America as a 2016 Memphis Corps member. Following my time in the classroom, I obtained my master's degree in sociology. Currently, I am the Director of Teacher Engagement for Teach for America National in Chicago, IL.

Hometown: Louisville, KY

Brian Williams

I will never stop promoting this amazing program! It doesn’t matter how old, educated or how great your cards were dealt to you—anyone can make a life for themselves here at UPS especially through a wonderful program. There are so many people working alongside you that are going through college and working nights with you, you aren’t alone and there are so many opportunities that UPS can offer you aside from the degree!

Hometown: Louisville, KY

Raylin Benningfield
Read More in Raylin's Spotlight Article

Without the Metro College program, I could not have afforded to go to college. It allowed me to be the first in my family to receive a college degree. I’ve held a full-time job for the past five years at a top rated company in the insurance industry. I have moved up and made many contributions to my current job and always looking to do more! My advice for current and prospective Metro College students is to remember that there is an end goal in sight, just stay focused on what you can do today to get where you need to be tomorrow.

Hometown: Louisville, KY

Heather Luckett

Since graduating from the Metro College Program, I accepted a job teaching freshman English at Seneca High School and coaching their tennis teams! My experience as a supervisor in Small Sort allowed me to practice my classroom management and people skills, learn how to build relationships, and to keep documentation, which is essential in my profession. The Metro College program not only paid for my education, but it gave me my amazing husband and the best friends I could ever ask for. My Metro College friends became my family, and I wouldn’t change anything about my experience!

Hometown: Shepherdsville, KY

Taylor Jacobs

I bought my own house at the age of 25 and I wouldn't have been able to achieve that goal if it wasn't for the foundation that was being built underneath of me while working and going to school at the same time. That solid foundation is the reason I am where I am today!

Hometown: Louisville, KY

Nico Casper
Read More in Nico's Spotlight Article

Participating in the Metro College program has truly given me something I never thought I would have—a debt-free college education. I’ve been able to further my education for almost no money out of my pocket whatsoever. I’ve been able to save my money and feel better prepared for my future. I'm doing good in school and on track to get my degree and certification. I love my job and have achieved so much at UPS in such a short time. Just knowing that I'm working hard and setting up a good future for myself is what I really am most proud of. I am currently in my second semester and on track to receive my associate’s degree and certification in aviation maintenance. 2020 Outstanding JCTC Metropolitan College Student Award Recipient.

Hometown: Shepherdsville, KY

Taylor McCauley

Student Recognition

Student Spotlights

Jade Podbelsek

Ruth Mateyoke

Bella Fichetola

Molly Pettit

Students in the News

Testimonials