Kentucky has a proud tradition of providing strong technical education for its citizens. Mayo Technical College (MTC) was established in 1938 to educate residents of eastern Kentucky in technical careers.

In 1962, the Kentucky General Assembly changed the face of higher education in the Commonwealth of Kentucky by authorizing the formation of the University of Kentucky Community College System. In 1964 the system became a reality and Prestonsburg Community College (PCC) began offering its first classes.

Twenty three years later, the General Assembly passed House Bill 1, the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act of 1997, which established the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) to govern the community and technical colleges.

Mayo Technical College and Prestonsburg Community College were placed under KCTCS governance in 1999 and joined as one to become Big Sandy Community and Technical College in August 2003. In January, 2004, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools approved the consolidation of the two colleges.

BSCTC's mission is to provide a two-year course of general and technical studies designed for transfer to a baccalaureate program and/or training necessary to develop a workforce with skills to meet industry needs and remedial and continuing education to improve the employability of citizens. BSCTC also offers an adult education program to prepare participants for the GED and/or college. To advance its mission, BSCTC fosters a living and learning environment that promotes diversity and open educational opportunities via a variety of instructional delivery modes.

BSCTC is a fully accredited, multi-purpose, comprehensive, two-year institution providing affordable postsecondary educational choices to underserved communities. The College is committed to providing programs that are responsive to students and the community, certificate, diploma and degree options in various program areas and quality training through collaboration with business and industry.

The region's economy relies heavily upon the coal mining industry. As that industry faces ongoing changes including technological advances leading to a reduced workforce, the College has played a critical role in identifying alternate forms of economic growth. The addition of service oriented programs, such as the nursing career pathway, to the college's curriculum allows students from all age groups and economic backgrounds to pursue an education.

The college promotes an open door admission policy, flexible course schedules including day, evening, weekend and off campus classes as well as financial aid for qualified students. The College primarily serves a five-county region consisting of Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties. The College offers classes at four campus locations: Hager Hill and Mayo in Johnson County; Pikeville in Pike County; and, Prestonsburg in Floyd County.