SCHOLARSHIPS IN KENTUCKY

With 24 public and 28 private universities offering a wide range of academic majors that are among the best in the Midwest and beyond, many students who are interested in these top-notch programs need to receive financial assistance through scholarships in Kentucky. Since many students in Kentucky are struggling to cover the hefty price tag of higher education, luckily there are numerous funding opportunities that can help relieve the heavy financial burden. Whether you are born and raised or moving to the state for college, the following are 25 excellent scholarships specifically for students in Kentucky.

1. Artist Bill Fischer Foundation for Working Artists

Deadline: March 15th

The Artist Bill Fischer Foundation for Working Artists Fund was created to provide educational scholarships for working artists in Kentucky to attend art courses. Eligible candidates who are over the age of 14 and demonstrate financial need must be enrolled to attend the University of Louisville, Indiana University Southeast, Berea College, Bellarmine University, Western Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, Centre College, Spalding University, or the Louisville Visual Art Association.

Contact

Artist Bill Fischer Foundation for Working Artists
325 W. Main St. Suite 1110
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 585-4649

2. Brian Jennemann Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: July 15th

In honor of Brian Jennemann who was an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) who passed away after a brief battle with meningitis, the Kentucky EMS Connection offers four grants of up to $1,500 each to deserving students in Kentucky and Tennessee who demonstrate a commitment to serving as a paramedic. All eligible applicants must be 18 years or older and be currently accepted into a certified paramedic training program.

Contact

Brian Jennemann Memorial Scholarship
118 James Court Suite 50
Lexington, KY 40505
(859) 256-3565

3. Crayton and Bernice Jackson Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Each year, Morehead State University grants the Crayton and Bernice Jackson Scholarship to Kentucky residents who are incoming freshmen enrolling full-time with sufficient financial need. While preference will be given to students from Rowan, Menifee, and Montgomery counties, students from Floyd, Bath, and Magoffin will be considered as second choices. In order to renew the award for $600, recipients must satisfactorily complete their first semester with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

Contact

Crayton and Bernice Jackson Scholarship
150 University Blvd.
Admissions Center Box 2525
Morehead, KY 40351

4. Danville Rotary John M. Camenisch Sr. Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: Varies

Sponsored by the Blue Grass Community Foundation, the Danville Rotary John M. Camenisch Sr. Memorial Scholarship is offered each year to Kentucky residents who are enrolled or are planning to enroll full-time in postsecondary education opportunities at the Central Kentucky Technical College in Danville. The scholarship is renewable provided that recipients achieve a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, maintain full-time status, and are in good academic standing.

Contact

Danville Rotary John M. Camenisch Sr. Memorial Scholarship
499 East High St. Suite 112
Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 225-3343

5. Dr. Rhey Body Parsons Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: January 15th

Awarded to incoming freshmen at the time of admission, Murray State University grants the Dr. Rhey Body Parsons Memorial Scholarship to outstanding students who have graduated in the upper one-third of their class and recommended by a school principal or guidance counselor. Eligible candidates must have at least an ACT score of 25 or better, a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or higher, and leadership potential.

Contact

Dr. Rhey Body Parsons Memorial Scholarship
102 Curris Center
Murray, KY 42071
(270) 809-3225

6. Eastern Progress Freshman Contributor Award

Deadline: February 25th

At Eastern Kentucky University, the Eastern Progress Freshman Contributor Award is granted to second semester freshman who are enrolled full-time in an approved program within the Department of Communications. Offered exclusively to students who make outstanding contributions to the school's newspaper, selection for the award is based on cumulative GPA, ACT scores, and extracurricular activities on and off-campus related to communications.

Contact

Eastern Progress Freshman Contributor Award
Charles Douglas Whitlock Building Room 251
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475
(859) 622-2019

7. Governor School for the Arts Scholarships

Deadline: February 1st
Administered by 23 colleges and universities inside or outside the Kentucky state borders, the Governor School for the Arts Scholarships are granted annually to talented and driven alumni of the GSA summer program who plan to major in music. In order to be eligible for the $1,500 renewable scholarship, candidates must be enrolled full-time, have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher, and agree to participate in a minimum of two ensembles each semester.

Contact

Governor School for the Arts Scholarships
501 W. Main St.
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 566-5192

8. Herb Schlaughenhoupt Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: January 1st and July 1st

Established by the family of one of the founders of the Kentucky Hemophilia Foundation, the Herb Schlaughenhoupt Jr. Memorial Scholarship is awarded twice each year to individuals with hemophilia or a similar bleeding disorder and individuals with an immediate family member with the bleeding disorder. Recipients of the $500 award can use the funds for tuition, room and board, and related academic expenses that are associated with attending an accredited post secondary education at a university, college, or vocational school in Kentucky.

Contact

Herb Schlaughenhoupt Jr. Memorial Scholarship
1850 Taylor Avenue Suite 2
Louisville, KY 40213
(502) 456-3233
http://kyhemo.org/programs/scholarships.php

9. John R. Bryden Appalachian Scholarships

Deadline: February 1st

Funded by the Steele-Reese Foundation of New York, the John R. Bryden Appalachian Scholarships are awarded annually to qualified incoming freshman and transfer students to Transylvania University who are from southern Appalachia. Designed for outstanding citizens of their schools and communities with financial need, the scholarships are renewable for up to four years if recipients maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.6 or higher and demonstrate good academic achievement that led to their selection.

Contact

John R. Bryden Appalachian Scholarships
300 North Broadway Avenue
Lexington, KY 40508
(859) 233-8300

10. Katie Simon FFA Scholarship

Deadline: December 10th

At Western Kentucky University, the Katie Simon FFA Scholarship is provided to incoming college freshmen who have been accepted for enrollment full-time into one of the concentration programs within the Department of Agriculture. Eligible candidates must demonstrate financial need and currently be members of the on-campus chapter of the Future Farmers of America. Along with the application, students must submit a list of extracurricular activities, personal essay on future agriculture goals, and high school transcript.

Contact

Katie Simon FFA Scholarship
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 745-0111

11. Kentucky Early Childhood Development Scholarships

Deadline: November 15th, April 15th, and July 15th

As part of the KIDS NOW initiative, the Kentucky Partnership for Early Childhood Services offers the Early Childhood Development Scholarships three times each year to childcare workers who are pursuing professional development, including an associate's degree, bachelor's degree, or other credentials related to early childhood education. Eligible candidates must be legal Kentucky residents, enrolled in nine hours or less at a participating institution, and employed more than 20 hours each week at a childcare facility.

Contact

Kentucky Early Childhood Development Scholarships
126 Mineral Industries Building
Lexington, KY 40506
(859) 323-4757

http://www.kentuckypartnership.org/Info/ecpro/ECPD/scholar/scholar.aspx

12. Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship

Deadline: Varies

Each year, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority grants the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) to outstanding students who earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher each year they attend a certified high school in the state. Since those who perform better in school receive a higher award amount, those who earn a 2.5 GPA earn the base amount of $125 annually and students who achieve a 4.0 GPA receive $500 each year. In addition, the program enables students to earn bonus awards for high scores on the ACT, SAT, and Advanced Placement tests.

Contact

Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship
100 Airport Rd.
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 696-7442

https://www.kheaa.com/website/kheaa/kees?main=2

13. Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Scholarship

Deadline: February 15th

Available to college juniors, seniors, and graduate students through the Kentucky Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI), the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Scholarship is designed to cover the costs of in-state tuition, room and board, textbooks, and academic fees for students in academic disciplines in critical need to the cabinet. Eligible applicants must be full-time students who have completed at least 60 semester hours at a public university in Kentucky. All recipients of funding are obligated for employment with the EEC following graduation.

Contact

Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Scholarship
300 Fair Oaks Lane
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502) 564-2150

14. Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund

Deadline: June 1st

Granted by the Kentucky Board of Nursing, the Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund (NISF) offers scholarships to Kentucky residents who have been admitted to an accredited nursing program to complete core nursing courses. Preference for the awards is given to candidates who demonstrate financial need, are LPNs pursuing RN licensure, and are RNs pursuing graduate advanced practice nursing roles. In exchange for the $3,000 of annual funding, the program requires that recipients work full-time as a nurse in Kentucky for one year per academic year of financial support.

See also: 10 of the Cheapest Nursing Degree Programs

Contact

Kentucky Nursing Incentive Scholarship Fund
312 Whittington Parkway
Louisville, KY 40222
(502) 429-7180

http://www.kbn.ky.gov/education/nisf/

15. Larry Johnson Memorial Sixth Man Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

The Larry Johnson Memorial Sixth Man Scholarship is awarded each year to college freshmen who are enrolled full-time at Western Kentucky University and are members of either the men's or women's basketball team. In addition to those who excel on the basketball court, the scholarship is also open to all WKU students who demonstrate tremendous support for athletics by regular attendance at games, enthusiasm, school spirit, and involvement in on-campus athletic programs.

Contact

Larry Johnson Memorial Sixth Man Scholarship
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 745-0111

16. Licking Valley Center Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Sponsored by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, the Licking Valley Center Scholarship is awarded to Kentucky residents who are planning to or currently are pursuing postsecondary education at the Licking Valley campus of Maysville Community and Technical College. In order to be eligible for the $1,000 renewable scholarship, deserving candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and demonstrate financial need for success in their college dreams.

Contact

Licking Valley Center Scholarship
319 Webster Avenue
Cynthiana, KY 41031
(859) 234-8626 ext. 66400

17. Louis Edward Nicklies Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 29th

Established by the late Marguerite Elizabeth Nicklies in honor of her husband, the Louis Edward Nicklies Scholarship Fund provides funding to students who wish to pursue a career in law, engineering, medicine, education, or Christian ministry at any accredited institution located within Jefferson County of Kentucky. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be graduates of a high school in the county, have an academic record indicating ability to succeed, demonstrate financial need, and be accepted or enrolled in an accredited institution full-time.

Contact

Louis Edward Nicklies Scholarship Fund
101 South Fifth St. 37th Floor
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 485-3221

18. Melvin Brent Henley Murray Training School Scholarship

Deadline: January 15th

On an annual basis, Murray State University offers the Melvin Brent Henley Murray Training School Scholarship to incoming freshmen who are descendants of former Training School, College High, or University School students and/or faculty members. Eligible candidates for the award must be enrolled full-time, have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, submit a statement documenting eligibility through a transcript, and attach a letter of recommendation from a high school principal or guidance counselor.

Contact

Melvin Brent Henley Murray Training School Scholarship
102 Curris Center
Murray, KY 42071
(270) 809-3225

19. NTA Pat and Jim Host Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Sponsored by the National Travel Association, the Pat and Jim Host Scholarship is granted to Kentucky residents who are upper-level undergraduate or graduate students full-time in an accredited program related to travel, tourism, or hospitality with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or higher. Along with the application, candidates are asked to submit a United States passport as proof of citizenship, Kentucky driver's license, resume, letter of recommendation from field faculty, and a personal essay demonstrating a clear commitment to a career in tourism.

Contact

NTA Pat and Jim Host Scholarship
275 Turnpike St. Suite 307
Canton, MA 02021
(781) 821-5990

20. Senior Citizens Waiver (KRS 164.284)

Deadline: Varies

Throughout the year, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) awards the Senior Citizens Waiver (KRS 164.284) to Kentucky residents who are undergraduate students that are at least 65 years of age or older. In order to receive the full-tuition scholarship to waive the costs associated with earning the degree, candidates must be attending a state-supported public two or four-year institution within the state.

Contact

Senior Citizens Waiver (KRS 164.284)
100 Airport Rd.
Frankfort, KY 40602
(502) 696-7442

21. Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: May 15th

As a one-year $1,000 award, the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana grants the Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship to deserving students who have shown courage in dealing with epilepsy and seizures and commitment to overcoming obstacles for education. Eligible candidates for the funding must be under a physician's care for epilepsy, be a college-bound high school senior, and live in Kentucky, except Boone, Campbell, Grant, and Kenton counties.

Contact

Shannon O'Daniel Memorial Scholarship
Kosair Charities Center
982 Eastern Parkway
Louisville, KY 40217
(502) 637-4440

http://old.epilepsyfoundation.org/local/kentuckiana/scholarship.cfm#.UtHRqrThd68

22. Sister George Ann Cecil Leadership Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Based on academic achievement and leadership potential, the Sister George Ann Cecil Leadership Scholarship is awarded to outstanding first-time incoming freshmen who are enrolled full-time at Brescia University. In order to apply for the scholarship that covers the costs of full tuition, room, and board, candidates must complete an application along with filing for both federal and Kentucky state financial aid with a FAFSA form.

Contact

Sister George Ann Cecil Leadership Scholarship
531 Frederica St.
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 686-4253

23. W. Norris Duvall Scholarship Fund

Deadline: March 15th

The Community Foundation of Louisville offers the W. Norris Duvall Scholarship Fund with the mission of supporting students from Todd County who are depending on financial support with attend any college, university, community college, vocational/trade school, or any other type of post-secondary education institution in the United States. With the scholarship amount being dependent on available funds, eligible candidates must be residents of Todd County in Kentucky, demonstrate financial need, and have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better.

Contact

W. Norris Duvall Scholarship Fund
325 West Main St. Suite 1110
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 585-4649

24. Wilma Pigg Poynter Scholarship

Deadline: Varies

Established by the Southeastern Kentucky Blue Grass Community Foundation from the generous donation of Wilma Pigg Poynter before her death, this scholarship has the goal of helping new generations from Laurel County attend college. Eligible applicants for the scholarship funds must be Kentucky legal residents who are attending Union College or Eastern Kentucky University on a full-time basis with good academic standing.

Contact

Wilma Pigg Poynter Scholarship
499 East High St. Suite 112
Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 225-3343

25. Woman's Club of Smiths Grove Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

At Western Kentucky University, the Woman's Club of Smiths Grove Scholarship is awarded to female Kentucky residents who are incoming college freshman enrolled full-time at the university with a strong interest in pursuing a career related to equine. In order to receive the $1,000 scholarship, students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and be a graduate of Warren East High School.

Contact

Woman's Club of Smiths Grove Scholarship
1906 College Heights Blvd.
Bowling Green, KY 42101
(270) 745-0111

As the costs of attending college continue to increase in Kentucky and student loan debt rises to alarmingly high levels nationwide, it is imperative that students search for as many scholarship opportunities without repayment to lower the financial load. Therefore, it is highly recommended that residents and students in Kentucky to further investigate these 25 great scholarships in Kentucky to reach their higher education dreams.