Pilot project to provide $4.3 million for students in nine-county area over two years
A recent proposal from Knott and Pike counties to use multi-county coal severance funds for college scholarships has already been approved by Governor Steve Beshear.
In an effort to provide increased access to higher education in Kentucky, Gov. Beshear announced Tuesday his authorization of more than $4 million of coal severance funds to be used for college scholarships in several colleges and universities in coal-producing areas of the state over the next two years.
The pilot project, called the Kentucky Coal County College Completion Scholarship Program, will be available beginning July 1 to college juniors and seniors and non-traditional students seeking to complete their degrees.
“Kentuckians recognize the importance of completing a college degree, and more and more people are pursuing higher education. That’s a good sign. But the cost of attending school can be prohibitive,” said Gov. Beshear. “I’ m proud that we’ ve found a way to make sure more students can continue their studies. These coal severance fund scholarships will surely help more of our students to achieve their goal of a college degree.”
The pilot project is modeled after House Bill 260, which was passed by the House of Representatives of the 2012 General Assembly, but not enacted. The grant will provide $2,050,000 in Fiscal Year 2013 and $2,250,000 in Fiscal Year….
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