The Governor’s Scholars Program is a stimulating, five-week, residential summer program for outstanding Kentucky students completing their junior year in high school. Established in 1983, the popular program provides academic and personal growth in a challenging experience that balances a strong liberal arts program with a full co-curricular and residential life experience.
Students must be nominated by their school districts or private schools to be considered for admission. They attend free of charge, needing only “pocket” money for personal and incidental expenses.
Governor’s Scholars are drawn from across Kentucky and represent the diversity of the Commonwealth. There are no grades or credits. The program is singularly free from competition, creating an environment that is conducive to building a community of friends and colleagues.
The program offers Scholars a chance to know and make friends with other enthusiastic, energetic students with high intellectual capacities. The give-and-take among Scholars from different backgrounds is one of the most treasured aspects on the program.
The Governor’s Scholars Program seeks to help exceptional students:
achieve their academic and personal potential
cultivate their leadership capabilities
expand their horizons
develop their flexibility, creativity and critical thinking
Juniors who plan to apply need to have completed or be enrolled in their second year of a foreign language. It is also recommended to have taken the ACT by October of their junior year. Course difficulty level is also criteria used in selecting members of the program.