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Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program

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Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program

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The Governor's Scholars Program's mission is to enhance Kentucky's next generation of civic and econo Seminar: a discussion-based small group session.

The Governor’s Scholars Program is a summer residential program for outstanding high school students in Kentucky who are rising seniors. The Program originated in 1983 as a result of Kentucky leaders’ concern that the state’s “best and brightest” were leaving the Commonwealth to pursue educational and career opportunities elsewhere without fully understanding the potential of their talents at home. Students who are selected attend the Program without charge. In the spirit of partnership, the Office of the Governor, the Kentucky State Legislature, and private enterprise come together to provide the financial support for the Program. The Program’s mission is to enhance Kentucky’s next generation of civic and economic leaders. The first class numbered 245 and was housed on one college campus. Since then, the Program has enjoyed excellent support and grown to over 1,100 students on three campuses. Host campuses are determined competitively every three years. The 2016-2018 session cycle will be hosted by Morehead State University in Morehead, and Murray State University in Murray, and Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights. The core curriculum for these summer sessions is threefold:

Focus Area: a “major” subject of study, assigned according to scholar preference as indicated on the application. General Studies: an area of study assigned by staff to challenge the scholars. Courses frequently include service-learning components in the community. Emphasis is placed on respectful debate and discussion. Scholars are encouraged to ask probing questions. Faculty and staff also invite a variety of speakers and performers from a range of disciplines and pursuits to visit campus. Carefully organized field trips, special events, and a film series also contribute to the comprehensive educational atmosphere in which scholars are challenged not only to examine, but, more importantly, to nurture their sense of learning and leadership. In order to participate in the Program, students must be nominated by their high schools and then compete on a state-wide level. Selection for the program is highly competitive, with an application process similar to that of prestigious colleges and universities. In addition to an academic profile that includes difficulty of course load, GPA, and at least one standardized test score, the application requires an outline of all extracurricular activities, a history of volunteer service, and a list of job positions held. A Teacher Recommendation which includes both a quantitative evaluation and qualitative descriptions of the student’s performance and potential; as well as a Community Recommendation which shows how a student performs in a community setting beyond the high school are also required. The final component of the application is an original writing entry. All of these factors are taken into account when selecting Governor's Scholars.

10/30/2026

At GSP-Murray, the "Dipsychos" General Studies class spent the summer examining the duality that tends to exist within human nature. Using the novella The Strange Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, scholars explored good and evil, spiritual and physical self, and the balance between personal agency and selflessness. Through cultural stories, alter-ego activities, and discussions of social pressures, they reflected on identity, self-expression, and what it means to be a scholar. Ultimately, Scholars recognized that human duality is a natural part of life rather than something that needs to be fixed.

10/28/2026

This Wednesday, we're highlighting the Healthcare Industry Focus Area!

At GSP-Morehead, Scholars explored healthcare safety, quality, and error prevention. They read highlights from Dr. Atul Gawande’s The Checklist Manifesto and visited the local airport to complete a pre-flight checklist. They connected aviation safety practices to healthcare and discussed the psychological impact of medical errors with GSP Executive Director Dr. Jen Price. Scholars explored patient safety, diverse healthcare careers, and aging research at the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center for Aging. Patient stories, documentaries, and guest speakers highlighted the human side of healthcare.

At GSP-Centre, Scholars were introduced to diverse medical and allied health careers while developing clinical knowledge and technical skills. Classroom instruction and activities strengthened their scientific understanding, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. They practiced measuring vital signs, vision screenings, blood typing, fingerprinting, blood pressure measurement, neurological reflex assessments, and introductory suturing. Scholars explored robotic surgery at Ephraim McDowell Medical Center, liver research, diabetes care, and healthcare education pathways through guest speakers and university program directors. Scholars concluded with a skills showcase highlighting their clinical abilities and healthcare career opportunities.

At GSP-Murray, Scholars examined the idea of medicine as storytelling through narrative medicine, examining how patients' experiences and stories inform quality care. They discussed alternative medicine, evidence-based practices, and health trends on social media. They also read John Green’s Everything is Tuberculosis. Hands-on experiences included surgical skills training at Surgery Day Camp, Mental Health First Aid certifications, and practice with gowning, suturing, incubation, and laparoscopic tools. These activities strengthen their clinical skills, empathy, and compassion.

Was Healthcare Industry your Focus Area at GSP? If so, leave a comment and share your favorite memory, tag a classmate, and tell us your Scholar year!

10/23/2026

Forty-four summers of memories, and counting!

10/21/2026

This Wednesday, we're highlighting the Historical Analysis Focus Area!

At GSP-Centre, Scholars explored the development of nuclear technology in the United States and the Soviet Union through a sociological lens, focusing on how state power, scientific ambition, and geopolitical competition shape human lives. They studied the Manhattan Project and the ethical dilemmas of the atomic bomb, the Semipalatinsk Test Site as a case of environmental injustice, and the Chernobyl disaster as a technological catastrophe and political turning point. Scholars also visited Taste of Ukraine in Nicholasville to learn about Kentucky’s Ukrainian community. Scholars played Prisoners Dilemma and participated in debates where they represented various countries and organizations in a hypothetical Global Nuclear Summit simulation. Students compared how democratic and authoritarian systems manage risk, secrecy, and public accountability. They read Garrett Graff’s “The Devil Reached Toward the Sky” and “Atomic Steppe” by Togzhan Kassenova. They spoke with experts in nuclear politics and nonproliferation from different countries. Finally, Scholars made creative projects about what they learned including video sketches, slide deck presentations, and websites.

At GSP-Murray, Scholars examined how children and toys shape our understanding of history through the American Girl historical characters line. Scholars read American Girl stories and created board games based on them, considering how authors of history adapt the truth for a variety of audiences. Following a field trip to the American Girl Place in Nashville, Scholars turned to research to bring an era of history important to them to life. They wrote and recorded an original story, created a song with the Music Theory & Performance Focus Area, and designed historically accurate sewing patterns. The class culminated in a Show-and-Tell that encouraged Scholars to reflect on how history is constructed and preserved.

Was Historical Analysis your Focus Area at GSP? If so, leave a comment and share your favorite memory, tag a classmate, and tell us your scholar year!

10/16/2026

At GSP-Centre, the "Pumpkin Coach" General Studies class explored the psychological appeal of Cinderella stories, how society determines victors, and the ways that systems themselves can influence outcomes. Using Mathletics, Scholars investigated how statistics shape the decisions of athletes, managers, and fans. These ideas were applied through a mock NCAA Tournament selection committee and FIFA World Cup predictions. Through simulations, including brackets, races, elections, and a field trip to Keeneland, Scholars explored competitive balance, decision-making, and the narratives that transform unlikely competitors into beloved champions. By the course's conclusion, scholars developed a deeper discernment of the power that systems have over equity and narratives in our everyday lives.

10/14/2026

This Wednesday, we're highlighting the Engineering Focus Area!

At GSP-Morehead, Scholars designed and modeled a lock system to allow pleasure craft to pass over Triplett Dam Creek, incorporating measurements of the existing site and surrounding land. They explored how estimation, constraints, scale, and efficiency shape engineering solutions, from local infrastructure to advanced technologies. Visits to Toyota Manufacturing, East Kentucky Power Cooperative, Ale-8-One, and the Army Corps of Engineers gave Scholars firsthand opportunities to engage with engineers across multiple disciplines and consider their own future roles in the field.

At GSP-Murray, Scholars explored mechanical, civil, chemical, aerospace, electrical, environmental, and biochemical engineering through hands-on projects. They designed and tested a 1/8-scale Wright Brothers' wind tunnel and airfoils, along with electric vehicles, bridges, circuits, wind turbines, sound barriers, and balloon rockets. Visits to local engineering and manufacturing facilities provided insight into real-world applications and career opportunities. Scholars also explored engineering's potential to improve lives through The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind.

Was Engineering your Focus Area at GSP? If so, leave a comment and share your favorite memory, tag a classmate, and tell us your scholar year!

10/09/2026

Are you thinking about applying to GSP? Swipe through for a glimpse at who we are, what we do, and what your GSP summer could look like!

10/07/2026

This Wednesday, we're highlighting the Business, Accounting & Entrepreneurship Focus Area!

At GSP-Morehead, Scholars explored how businesses create value, solve problems, and make strategic decisions. They developed business ideas, identified market opportunities, examined ethical sales practices, and explored competitive strategy and innovation through Moneyball. Scholars also learned fundamental accounting and financial concepts and applied their knowledge through mock sales calls, customer simulations, and business creation. Guest speakers from the business community provided additional insight into entrepreneurship, sales, and professional development.

At GSP-Centre, Scholars studied relationships, bias, and ethics in the business world through hands-on activities such as Monopoly, financial recordkeeping, audits, and stock market simulations. Scholars worked in teams to develop entrepreneurial solutions, identifying customer segments, value propositions, costs, and revenue streams. They presented and defended their ideas while collaborating with peers to strengthen their business concepts.

At GSP-Murray, Scholars learned about business and entrepreneurship through developing and analyzing business plans. They studied accounting through real-estate simulations, guest speakers from the Kentucky Society of CPAs, and business proposals. Field trips around campus and to a local antique store helped Scholars explore value, pricing, and potential business opportunities.

Was Business, Accounting & Entrepreneurship your Focus Area at GSP? If so, leave a comment and share your favorite memory, tag a classmate, and tell us your scholar year!

10/02/2026

Join the GSP as an RA or as part of our Office Staff!

RA and Office Staff applications for the 45th summer of the GSP are now available. Alumni of the GSP who are currently enrolled in college are encouraged to apply. If you or someone you know wants to work with Kentucky's next generation of civic and economic leaders at the Governor's Scholars Program, please review the full job description using the link below. The application priority deadline is January 19, 2027.

https://gsp.ky.gov/employment/Pages/default.aspx

10/01/2026

Join the GSP as a member of our Faculty!

Faculty applications for the 45th summer of the GSP are live. If you or someone you know wants to work with Kentucky's next generation of civic and economic leaders at the Governor's Scholars Program, please review the full job description using the link below. The application priority deadline is January 6, 2027.

https://gsp.ky.gov/employment/Pages/default.aspx

Address

112 Consumer Lane
Frankfort, KY
40601

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday	8am - 4:30pm
Thursday	8am - 4:30pm
Friday	8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15022094420

Website

https://linktr.ee/kygovscholars, https://gsp.ky.gov/Pages/index.aspx

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