Governor Steve Beshear has proclaimed the week of Nov. 14-18 as “Kentucky College Application Week” to emphasize the importance of higher education in the Commonwealth.

“There is a direct correlation between education levels and employment rates,” Gov. Beshear said. “The most recent data available shows that the unemployment rate for Kentuckians with just a high school diploma is more than double that for people with a bachelor’s degree. Every Kentucky student should give serious consideration to getting more training or education after high school.”

During the week, the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) staff will help students at 13 pilot high schools through personalized, on-site assistance in the application process. KHEAA has also created an online toolkit to help all Kentucky students in the application process and to create a positive, college-going culture in the Commonwealth.

Kentucky College Application Week is a joint effort of KHEAA, the Kentucky Association for College Admission Counseling (KYACAC), the Kentucky Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (KACRAO), the Kentucky College Coaches Program and other professional organizations involved in college planning and access.

KHEAA is the state agency that administers KEES, need-based grants and other programs to help students pay their higher education expenses.

To learn how to plan and prepare for higher education, go to www.gotocollege.ky.gov. For more information about Kentucky scholarships and grants, visit www.kheaa.com; write KHEAA, P.O. Box 798, Frankfort, KY 40602; or call (800) 928-8926, ext. 6-7372.

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