Kentucky Governor’s Scholar Program Class of 2020
FRANKFORT, Ky.—The Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP), within the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC), recognized 1,020 outstanding Kentucky high school seniors, representing all 120 counties, for completing the 38th summer program.
The modified GSP summer program had a mixture of virtual and in-person experiences to keep students and staff safe from COVID-19.
The high school seniors selected from across Kentucky for GSP attended shortened one-week residential programs instead of the usual five weeks.
The scholars engaged academically and socially while complying with public health guidelines such as wearing masks, washing their hands frequently and maintaining at least six feet of distance.
Class size was reduced to promote social distancing. Instead of 340 scholars at three colleges and universities for five weeks, this year GSP had 85 to 125 students per week at Centre College in Danville and Bellarmine University in Louisville.
“This year, the scholars were given the option to attend a modified in-person week at one of the host institutions. Out of the 1,020 selected scholars, 955 chose to participate face-to-face or ‘mask-to mask’ as one scholar said, making the summer program a reality and a success for the Governor’s Scholars,” said Aristofanes Cedeño, Ph.D., executive director and academic dean of the GSP.
Faculty who had been with the program for many years said they were surprised and impressed with how well a week of GSP provided a taste of the program.
To participate in the extremely competitive program, a statewide selection committee chose well-rounded participants based upon nominations submitted by each Kentucky school district.
Selection criteria is based upon academic records and test scores, teacher and community recommendations, extracurricular and service activities, and a writing entry. The program is available at no cost to eligible students.
Including the Class of 2020, more than 33,000 students have completed GSP.
Click here for more information and visit https://gsp.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx to learn more about the Governor’s Scholars Program.
