We are thrilled to share the continued impact of the Carol Barr Fund, which is helping young women in SOAR counties pursue higher education. Currently, 11 Carol Barr Fund scholars are enrolled in colleges such as UPIKE, EKU, Notre Dame, UK, and the University of the Cumberlands, representing Russell, Pike, Johnson, Clay, Lawrence, Laurel, Knox, Madison, Rockcastle, and Pulaski counties.
Upcoming Reception – Stay Tuned!
We are in the process of confirming a special reception with Congressman Andy Barr, likely in late May. This event will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the success of these scholars and the generous supporters who make their education possible.
Encouraging More Girls to Apply
In addition to the Carol Barr Fund, we are proud to highlight another incredible opportunity—the Central & Eastern Kentucky STEM Goes Red Scholarship, created in honor of Carol Barr by the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement.
This scholarship aims to bridge the gap for young women in Kentucky pursuing careers in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) by providing five (5) one-time $10,000 scholarships made possible through the generous support of The Hunt Family Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Young, Mrs. Mira Ball, and the Carol Barr Fund at the Blue Grass Community Foundation.
Scholarship Eligibility
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a 12th-grade student in one of the eligible Central & Eastern Kentucky counties (full list below).
- Have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Identify as female.
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
- Be applying to: A college or university with the intent to major in a STEM-related field, OR, A vocational or technical trade school with a focus on earning a degree/certificate in STEM.
Past recipients are not eligible to reapply.
Application & Selection Process
A review committee will evaluate applicants based on:
- Academic achievement
- Commitment to a STEM career
- One letter of recommendation (from an educator highlighting leadership, motivation, and STEM commitment)
- A five-paragraph essay (500 words max) addressing two application questions
Applications will be accepted via email at EKYSTEMscholarship@Heart.org from December 1, 2024 – March 17, 2025.
Scholarship recipients will be notified in April 2025 and awarded funds through 529 college savings plans via Gift of College.
Eligible Counties for the STEM Goes Red Scholarship
Adair, Anderson, Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Boyd, Boyle, Breathitt, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Floyd, Garrard, Green, Greenup, Harlan, Hart, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, McCreary, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Menifee, Mercer, Metcalfe, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Scott, Wayne, Whitley, Wolfe, and Woodford.
How You Can Help
- Share this opportunity with eligible students and families.
- Encourage high school seniors to apply for this life-changing scholarship.
- Stay engaged for updates on our reception and scholar success stories.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Mike.Turner@Heart.org.
Together, we can honor Carol Barr’s legacy by empowering more young women to pursue their dreams in STEM and higher education.
Spread the word and help us make a difference!