Where does Kentucky stand nationally?
The below statistics are taken from the “Big Bold Future” report. View this report in detail.
Kentucky's rank among 50 states
Read the Big Bold Future Report
The above statistics are taken from the “Big Bold Future” report. To view this report in detail, click below.
Why is this important?
In our knowledge-based economy, job growth now comes almost entirely in fields that require some learning beyond high school. Postsecondary learning includes career training, apprenticeships, technical certificates, or conventional associate and bachelor degrees, and Kentucky needs more working age residents with all those credentials.
Policy & Investment Priorities
- Increase college affordability
- Expand dual credit opportunities for high school students
- Sustain performance-based funding for public universities and colleges (Big Bold Ask)
- Fully fund needs-based aid for students (Big Bold Ask)
Big Bold Ask
By FY 2026 increase annual general fund investment by $338 million
Local Practice Priorities
- Campaigns that connect every student to a post-high school pathway
- Community FAFSA campaigns
- Durable skills development
Groundswell Action Spotlight
MANCHESTER – After a local Togetherness March that was sparked by the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor tragedies, two Groundswell members in Manchester asked themselves what they could do as an action step to impact racism in their town. Rhonda Phillips and Sara Szymkowiak decided to create an organization that would empower and nurture youth who may not have the same opportunities as others to gain the skills and resources needed to succeed in academics and as community leaders.
The Thompson Scholars Foundation, named for Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education President Dr. Aaron Thompson, a Clay County Native, currently serves disadvantaged students, including but not limited to racial minorities, those experiencing poverty, or first-generation college students.
The Thompson Scholars program focuses on building skills in social and emotional development, leadership development through civic engagement, self-advocacy and self-confidence, communication skills, STEM and Arts programming, college and career readiness, and assistance with the entire college or technical school enrollment process.
Scholars receive a college or technical school scholarship based on their attendance in the program. The board and team are committed to support scholars even throughout their post-secondary academic pursuits to minimize barriers to completion. Former Scholars who graduate from college or technical school will be designated as Thompson Fellows, who in turn, can give back to the organization through whatever means, be it giving of time or finances.
The above story is taken from our “Groundswell Action” stories. Groundswell Actions come from communities around Kentucky working to making a difference at the local level. Read more of them here.
