THE BASICS
The Kentucky Scholars Program is an exciting new initiative that encourages middle and high school students to take the types of courses that will best prepare them for the changing expectations of today's higher education and work environments. The Scholars Program is typically introduced in the classroom by the very business and community representatives who will be making tomorrow's hiring decisions. By joining business and education in the classroom, students have the best chance to know what is expected after graduation. Students may sign up to become a Kentucky Scholar at any time.
BACKGROUND
The Kentucky Scholars Initiative is made possible by federal funding that comes to the Partnership for Successful Schools from the Center for State Scholars in Austin, Texas. Selected as seventh out of the first twelve states to receive this funding, Kentucky began piloting the program during the 2004 school year in Daviess, Jessamine, Kenton, Fayette and Pike Counties. The program will be implemented in new districts each year following.
WHY A SCHOLARS PROGRAM?
Today's workplace looks dramatically different than it did just a few years ago. Technological advances have and will continue to have a marked impact on how, where and when businesses operate. Research has proven that the skills required to succeed in such a rapidly changing environment find their foundation in the courses students take in high school. Along with today's employers, college and university officials are sending a clear message. IT'S THE COURSES THAT MATTER.
Education research also concludes that the courses a student takes throughout high school have a more significant impact on their post-graduation success than grades do. What does the research say? IT'S THE COURSES THAT MATTER! [More]
A FUTURE CHANGED
In addition to a changed workplace, analysts predict that the United States will face a shortage of 12 million workers in the next decade. [www.bls.gov]("Occupational Employment Projections to 2010,"Monthly Labor Review, November 2001, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor) Today's employers say they cannot find qualified workers for many positions, citing poor math, reading, writing and basic employment skills. [www.nam.org]. (Center for Workforce Success of the Manufacturing Institute, The Educational and Research Affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, National center on Education and the Economy, 'The Economic and Demographic Roots of Education and Training', 2001.") According to research and surveys utilizing today's business community, fewer than six in thirty-five applicants will even be qualified to apply for many of today's jobs.
A ROADMAP TO SUCCESS
The Kentucky Scholars Initiative charts a course that will meet these new expectations, helping to ensure student success after high school graduation. The message of the scholars program is presented to students via the very community and business representatives who are likely to be future employers. Students who complete the Scholars Core Course of Study are more successful in college and careers than those who meet only basic graduation requirements.
WHAT'S A KENTUCKY SCHOLARS COURSE OF STUDY?
To become a Kentucky Scholar you will need to follow a prescribed set of courses that typically include:
- 4 credits of English that include: English I, II, III, IV and V
- 3 credits of math that include: Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II
- 3 credits of science that include: Biology, Chemistry, Physics
- 3 credits of Social Studies: Chosen from U.S. History/1.0, World History/1.0, World Geography/1.0, Economics/0.5, Government/0.5
- 2 years of the same foreign language
Because each school district and school may define or call its courses by different names, please check with your district office, principal or counselor to determine exactly what course titles are included on your road to becoming a Kentucky Scholar.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
Along with the assurance that you'll be better prepared for life after high school and therefore more likely to stay in competition for top jobs, you'll receive an award and special diploma typically delivered in a ceremony designed exclusively to recognize Kentucky Scholars. Each Kentucky school district will sculpt its own scholars recognition and rewards programs, so check-in with the Kentucky Scholars contact in your school district.
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