The Work Ready Scholarship program is a
collaborative effort between the Kentucky Cabinet for Education and Workforce
Development, public and private universities, and the Kentucky Community and
Technical Colleges to provide tuition assistance for Kentucky students to
receive a maximum of 60 credit hours towards career certifications and
associate degrees in applied science.
The scholarship provides tuition assistance for Kentucky students and adults to obtain an industry recognized certificate, associate’s degree in applied science or diploma at one of 21 participating colleges and universities throughout the Commonwealth. Approved programs must be in one of Kentucky’s five high-demand industry sectors: Advanced Manufacturing,
Business and IT, Construction Trades, Healthcare and Transportation and Logistics.
Scholarship Amounts
With an initial allocation of $15.9 million, the scholarship provides funding when an individual’s eligible federal and student aid has been exhausted. The amount awarded shall be the remaining after subtracting the individual’s federal and state grants and scholarships from the tuition and fees assessed by the individual’s educational institution. The amount awarded for fees shall not exceed $400 per academic year.
Eligible Individuals
Individuals who are US citizens or permanent residents, Kentucky residents, including current high school students pursuing dual credit, high school graduates, and individuals who have earned or working to earn a GED, but had not received a college degree are eligible to apply for the scholarship. Eligible individuals must also be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at an eligible institution approved by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). Applicants must maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the postsecondary institution they attend and cannot be in default on any Title IV programs or KHEAA programs.
*High school students enrolled in dual credit are limited to two (2) courses per academic year.
Eligible Training
The training within the following sectors are allowed under the scholarship: Advanced Manufacturing, Business and IT, Construction Trades, Healthcare and Transportation and Logistics. A full list of programs can be found at https://www.kheaa.com/pdf/wrks_approved_programs.pdf
How to Apply and Approval Process
To apply individuals should register with KHEAA (https://www.kheaa.com/apps/registration/register-new) then complete and submit a Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship application.
Applicants will also need to complete the FAFSA (https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa) to be approved. Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For Additional Information
Contact KHEAA at 800-928-8926 or studentaid@kheaa.com or ask an admissions counselor at the educational institution you are applying to for more information.