What began as a simple sketch on a piece of paper has become a powerful, hands-on learning tool that is transforming how students experience industrial training at Jefferson Community and Technical College's (JCTC) Carrollton campus.
In 2020, Dow representative Jeff Chowning approached JCTC Campus Director Heather Yocum with a desire to support the college’s Applied Process Technology (APT) program in a meaningful way. Understanding that it can be difficult to grasp the scale and complexity of industrial processes inside a traditional classroom, he proposed building something students could see, touch, and operate.
That idea evolved into a three-piece process skid designed to replicate real-world operations inside a modern manufacturing facility. After several years of planning, collaboration, and construction, the skid was delivered to JCTC in March, marking a major milestone for both the college and the company.
“This is an investment in our community, this program and our students,” Yocum said. “This is one of those projects that says we care about our students and Carroll County.” Known for her positive attitude and desire to help improve opportunities for Carroll County’s youth, Yocum said this long-term commitment by Dow really shows the mindset of Dow employees and that our community is better when we work together.
The skid was built by a team of 20 to 30 Dow employees, ranging from seasoned engineers and maintenance experts to recent graduates of the APT program. That blend of experience speaks to the program’s success and the strong connection between the college and the company. In fact, several alumni who once trained at JCTC returned to help construct the very equipment current students will now use.
The attention to detail in the project is evident at every level. Dow not only designed and assembled the skid, but also ensured students will be able to maintain and repair the system using the same resources found in an actual plant. Even the smallest components were thoughtfully selected to mirror real-world conditions.
“They put a lot of thought into making sure it was just right for our students,” Yocum said.
The APT pathway at the Carrollton campus is one of only two such programs in Kentucky. Yocum said the APT personnel are “the Swiss army knife of any plant because they do multiple things. They are operators making sure it’s all operating correctly and, if not, they know how to fix it.”
Built through demanding work schedules, plant outages, and leadership changes, the skid stands as a testament to persistence and shared purpose.
“This is a heartfelt project,” Yocum emphasized. “They cared about every last thing to make sure it was the best for our students.”
Dow’s involvement goes far beyond this single project. From mentoring programs and mock interviews to scholarships and advisory board participation, the company has consistently shown up for students. That same spirit is embedded in the training skids now sitting on JCTC’s campus as a symbol of collaboration, pride, and opportunity.
The public was able to view the skid and learn about the process following the annual Going Pro Signing Day for Future 42 students who will be attending JCTC’s Carrollton Campus.