Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship
Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship helps residents pursue an industry-recognized credential—a certificate, diploma, or associate of applied science—in a high-demand sector. For 2026–27, KHEAA lists construction, education, health care, manufacturing and logistics, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The award is calculated after federal and state grants and scholarships are applied, so it varies and may not exceed the KCTCS in-state tuition-and-fee rate; fee su
About Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship
Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship helps residents pursue an industry-recognized credential—a certificate, diploma, or associate of applied science—in a high-demand sector. For 2026–27, KHEAA lists construction, education, health care, manufacturing and logistics, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The award is calculated after federal and state grants and scholarships are applied, so it varies and may not exceed the KCTCS in-state tuition-and-fee rate; fee support is capped at $400 a year.
Applicants must be Kentucky residents and US citizens or permanent residents, hold a high-school diploma or GED, have no associate or higher degree, and enroll in an approved program at a participating institution. Some certificates are offered at selected public or private campuses, but the institution list is specific to each campus and approved program. Eligibility ends when the student earns a first associate degree or uses 60 funded credit hours, whichever comes first.
Apply with FAFSA and the 2026–27 Work Ready form in MyKHEAA. Awards depend on funding and are considered by application date, but KHEAA explicitly says funding is not guaranteed. Before paying tuition, use the official estimator with other aid included and confirm that your program leads to an approved credential. The scholarship can make career training more affordable, but students should budget separately for books, transport, and living expenses.
Who it serves and what it can cover: Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship helps residents pursue an industry-recognized credential—a certificate, diploma, or associate of applied science—in a high-demand sector. For 2026–27, KHEAA lists construction, education, health care, manufacturing and logistics, and professional, scientific, and technical services. The award is calculated after federal and state grants and scholarships are applied, so it varies and may not exceed the KCTCS in-state tuition-and-fee rate; fee support is capped at $400 a year. Applicants must be Kentucky residents and US citizens or permanent residents, hold a high-school diploma or GED, have no associate or higher degree, and enroll in an approved program at a participating institution. Some certificates are offered at selected public or private campuses, but the institution list is specific to each campus and approved program. Eligibility ends when the student earns a first associate degree or uses 60 funded credit hours, whichever comes first.
How to apply or get help: Apply with FAFSA and the 2026–27 Work Ready form in MyKHEAA. Awards depend on funding and are considered by application date, but KHEAA explicitly says funding is not guaranteed. Before paying tuition, use the official estimator with other aid included and confirm that your program leads to an approved credential. The scholarship can make career training more affordable, but students should budget separately for books, transport, and living expenses. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
College financial-aid program