Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
Byrd Scholarship applications

Kentuckians who have taken the GED test since July 2008 and achieved at least a 2700 composite score may apply for a Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship. The scholarships, worth up to $1,500 a year, are administered by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

GED graduates may apply through Zip Access at www.kheaa.com. To apply, sign in to Zip Access with your user ID and password. Those who have not used Zip Access should register to create a user ID and password. Interested GED graduates should apply as soon as possible because adult education counselors must certify applicants for consideration before the June 30 deadline. 

The Byrd Scholarship is named for longtime U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd of West Virginia, who authored the legislation establishing the program in 1985. Kentucky receives enough funding to award 90 scholarships to high school seniors and GED graduates each year, 15 from each of the state’s six congressional districts. GED recipients are chosen by an independent panel, based on GED scores and adult education counselor recommendations. For more information about Byrd Scholarships, call Beth Lane at (800) 928-8926, ext. 6-7229.

To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education and to access the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, go to www.GoHigherKY.org. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602-0798; or call (800) 928-8926. For information about low-cost student loans, visit www.studentloanpeople.com; write The Student Loan People, P.O. Box 24328, Louisville, KY 40224-0328; or call (888) 678-4625.

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