Students in Winchester are getting one-on-one face time with local professionals. More than 150 volunteers signed up to advise, motivate and encourage students as part of Operation Preparation. The program is part of a statewide initiative designed to get students thinking about their futures, preparing for college, and careers to follow.

Superintendent Elaine Farris says, "The community has been very excited about it. We've had bankers, lawyers, hospital CEOs, stay at home moms, alot of people who have said, I want to help! When you get your community involved in educating students and helping them, it is truly priceless."

Operation Preparation is a joint effort by the Kentucky Department of Education and the Department of Workforce Development.