Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program Presents to State Legislature

The program highlighted its work and outcomes for rising high school seniors across the commonwealth.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Governor's Scholars Program, a free five-week summer program for rising high school seniors in Kentucky, presented before the state's House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education. The program, which has been a cornerstone of academic excellence in the state since 1983, receives around $2 million in annual state funding and has seen nearly 75% of 2023 participants enroll at a Kentucky college or university.

Why it matters

The Governor's Scholars Program is a highly regarded initiative that provides talented high school students across Kentucky with enriching academic and extracurricular opportunities. Its presentation to the state legislature underscores the program's importance and the legislature's ongoing commitment to ensuring its accessibility for future classes of students.

The details

During the presentation, the program highlighted its work and the outcomes of the rising senior students who go through the five-week summer initiative. The program is open to all public, private, and homeschooled students in the commonwealth who are rising high school seniors.

  • The Governor's Scholars Program presented before the House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education last week.
  • In the fall of 2024, nearly 75% of the summer 2023 program scholars enrolled at a Kentucky college or university.
  • Enrollment for the 2026 Governor's Scholars Program ended in January of this year.

The players

Scott Lewis

Representative and chair of the House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education.

Governor's Scholars Program

A free, five-week summer program for rising high school seniors across Kentucky that has been a cornerstone of academic excellence in the state since 1983.

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What they’re saying

“The Governor's Scholars Program has been a cornerstone of Kentucky academic excellence since its inception in 1983. The General Assembly recognizes its role in shaping the future of thousands of our students and remains committed to ensuring its opportunity will be accessible for future classes.”

— Scott Lewis, Representative and chair of the House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education (hancockclarion.com)

“All of our colleges and universities offer scholarships to students who complete this program, leaving a lasting impact throughout the commonwealth and throughout the lives of many students. Our commonwealth is home to many nationally leading programs which provide these students with the education they need to become the future leaders of our state.”

— Scott Lewis, Representative and chair of the House Standing Committee on Primary and Secondary Education (hancockclarion.com)

What’s next

The state legislature will continue to evaluate funding and support for the Governor's Scholars Program to ensure its accessibility for future classes of rising high school seniors across Kentucky.

The takeaway

The Governor's Scholars Program's presentation to the state legislature underscores its longstanding role in cultivating academic excellence and future leadership in Kentucky. The program's high enrollment and college attendance rates demonstrate its value in providing talented students with enriching opportunities to develop their skills and prepare for success.