More than 40 school employees in Southeastern Kentucky received Microsoft Excel training at The Center for Rural Development.

Thanks to The Center for Rural Development and Partners for Education at Berea College, Lori Duggins of Lancaster is better able to perform her job as an academic specialist at Garrard County High School.

“Schools are moving toward being driven by data to make decisions,” Duggins said. “The Microsoft Excel training I received at The Center for Rural Development has helped me to be able to filter and sort a large amount of data to make it understandable to others.”

More than 40 school employees in Southeastern Kentucky received introductory and advanced-level Microsoft Excel training in a joint class at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset. The training was provided through The Center’s Your Center of Learning training program.

“We offer professional, instructor-led training in some of Microsoft’s top performing programs,” said training coordinator Robyn Phillips. “Our Your Center of Learning training courses help employees build their workforce skills and prepare for careers of the future.”

Through GEAR UP, Partners for Education serves 26 Southeastern Kentucky counties and 33 school districts. The latest GEAR-UP grant, awarded to Berea College, follows a cohort of students from seventh-grade through their freshman year in college and emphasizes academic success, career preparation, and building a college-success culture in schools.

“One of the Great Commitments of Berea College is enthusiasm for learning,” said Elaine Cummins, College Access Data Analyst. “We thank The Center, the staff, and Excel instructors for providing such a great training opportunity.”

The Microsoft Excel training was held Tuesday, April 28, at The Center. Excel instructors were Carol Whitson and Kimberly Taylor.

For more information about Your Center of Learning training at The Center or a complete list of course offerings, contact Robyn Phillips at 606-677-6000 or email ycol@centertech.com.