Since 1983, the Prichard Committee has worked to study priority issues, inform the public and policy makers about best practices and mobilize citizens, business leaders, families, students, and other stakeholders in a shared mission to move Kentucky to the top tier of all states for education excellence and for all children, from their earliest years through postsecondary education.
Thanks to the efforts of the Committee and dedicated citizens, Kentucky has moved from the bottom of the national rankings in education to the middle and above. Our ambitious goal is to move to the top tier of all states within this generation.
The Prichard Committee grounds its work in rigorous, data-driven research. We study priority issues and equip Kentuckians with the evidence they need to advocate for stronger schools — from early childhood through postsecondary education.
Our flagship Big Bold Future report tracks Kentucky’s progress against other states across key indicators, published biannually to spotlight where we’re gaining ground and where more work is needed. As Kentucky’s Statewide Family Engagement Center (SFEC) grantee, we publish research and surveys on family engagement. An independent FHI 360 study of our Family Friendly Schools Certification found that certified schools saw improved reading outcomes and stronger family-school trust.
We translate research into clear, actionable insights for the people who need them most. Through reports like Big Bold Future, toolkits on topics from kindergarten readiness to chronic absenteeism, and regular updates through our Ed Blog and Press Center, we keep families, educators, business leaders, and policymakers informed about what’s working—and where Kentucky still has ground to gain.
Research and information only matter if they lead to action. We mobilize citizens across the Commonwealth through initiatives like our Groundswell Initiative, the Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership, and Partnership Schools and Communities—building a statewide network of volunteers, families, and local leaders who turn data into advocacy in their own communities and in Frankfort.
for the advancement of education in Kentucky
Kentucky has made meaningful strides in education over the past four decades — yet too many communities still struggle to turn those gains into lasting upward mobility. The Prichard Committee’s Theory of Change lays out a clear, statewide strategy for reversing recent declines, strengthening community leadership, and aligning local action with smart policy.
At its core, the document shows how Kentuckians can work together — families, educators, business leaders, policymakers, and everyday citizens — to build a “Big Bold Future” where every child, in every community, can flourish. Through radical collaboration, meaningful diplomas, stronger accountability, and community‑driven innovation, the path to a larger life becomes possible for all.
Explore the full Theory of Change to see how Kentucky can build a true groundswell for educational excellence and upward mobility.
