Kentucky State University and Kentucky Community and Technical College System partner to provide Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship

Kentucky State University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System have announced the establishment of their Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship that will benefit Pell grant eligible students who have earned an associate degree via the KCTCS, as well as transfer students who have not yet completed their associate degree. The scholarship will give those students the opportunity to earn a tuition-free bachelor degree from Kentucky State University.

According to an article on Kentucky State University’s website, Dr. Koffi C. Akakpo, the president of the university, shared his enthusiasm for the new partnership and resulting scholarship. He is quoted as saying, “We are very excited to offer the Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship to support incoming KCTCS transfer students. KSU is committed to removing barriers and expanding opportunities in higher education and we see that this scholarship has the potential to positively change students’ lives. We see our partnership with KCTCS and this scholarship as a necessary investment in our future leaders and world changers by ensuring Kentuckians have access to affordable postsecondary education.”

Last October, Kentucky State University formed a transfer agreement with KCTCS that also called for the development of scholarships and grants that would help lessen the financial burden for KCTCS students to transfer to Kentucky State University to complete their education. The Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship is a result of that initial transfer agreement.

The Kentuckians Pathway Scholarship, which is available to Pell-eligible students transferring to KSU from KCTCS, is a last-dollar scholarship, meaning it will cover the remaining balance of fall and spring tuition after all other financial awards, grants, and scholarships have been applied. This means that the students who receive the scholarship will not have to pay to pursue a bachelor degree, as the scholarship is renewable.

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles said, “We know education opens doors to opportunities that change lives forever. We also know that we have to do all that we can to make higher education affordable for Kentuckians. While not every student needs to attend a four-year institution to be successful, many of our students will continue their education after earning their associate degrees. This partnership with Kentucky State University is a great opportunity to further invest in our students who will go on to earn bachelor’s and advanced degrees and to support the future workforce of Kentucky. My mom taught at KSU for nearly 30 years, and I’m proud to strengthen our partnership.”

Students interested in applying for the scholarship must do so by November 15. They must also complete the FAFSA. 

Kentucky State University and the Kentucky Community and Technical College System are continuing to work on strengthening their transfer agreement and are finding ways to offer additional support to students who will be transferring to Kentucky State University.

For more information about Kentucky State University, visit the school’s website.