43rd anniversary of Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program celebrated, surpassing milestone of over a thousand graduate students
The Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program (GSP) celebrated another successful year, graduating 1,050 high school seniors from 117 counties. This prestigious summer program, now in its 43rd year, has become a highlight for many students, providing them with a transformative experience that opens minds, builds lasting friendships, and inspires a deeper sense of purpose.
The GSP, administratively attached to the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, takes place at three Kentucky college campuses: Centre College, Morehead State University, and Murray State University. The program has extended its successful partnerships with these universities for the summers of 2026-2028.
Participation in the program is based on a statewide selection committee's choice of well-rounded participants, with no cost to students selected. Over the five-week residential program, students attend general studies classes and a leadership seminar on themes related to their age group. They delve into 25 subject areas, including biological and environmental issues, healthcare, journalism, music theory, politics, agribusiness, and biotechnology.
The students who completed the 2025 program at Morehead State University, Centre College, and Murray State University have shared their gratitude for the opportunity. Isabel Bakker, Jacob Kirchner, and Sasha Kachalova, among the 2025 Governor's Scholars, have all praised the program for its impact on their lives.
Isabel Bakker considers the GSP a transformative experience, stating that it opens minds, builds lasting friendships, and inspires a deeper sense of purpose. Jacob Kirchner believes that the GSP has prepared him for life like no other program, diversifying his perspective. Sasha Kachalova believes that GSP teaches students to be Kentuckians: intelligent, understanding, down-to-earth, and scholarly.
Many scholarship opportunities are offered by Kentucky colleges and universities to students who have completed the GSP program. Additionally, nearly 75% of 2022 scholars chose to pursue higher education in Kentucky in the fall of 2023, demonstrating the program's success in fostering a commitment to the state.
Gov. Andy Beshear, a GSP alumnus from 1995, commended the scholars on their achievements. He emphasized the program's role in developing Kentucky's future leaders and its impact on the state's social and economic future.
For more information about the Governor's Scholars Program, visit gsp.ky.gov.
- The Galaxy Art Gallery in the heart of the community, located in Kentucky, is hosting an exhibition showcasing works from students who have completed the Governor's Scholars Program (GSP).
- The educational and self-development sector in Kentucky has flourished significantly with the implementation of the GSP, which fosters personal growth through various subject areas like arts, education, politics, and agribusiness.
- As part of their community service, a group of GSP alumni launched a health initiative aimed at providing affordable healthcare solutions to rural Kentucky communities.
- Upon graduating from the GSP, students often carry forward their transformative experience into their college education, with a majority choosing to continue their studies within the state.
- The Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program (GSP) has grown to become a significant contributor to the state's economy, fostering the development of future leaders in various sectors, including business, environment, and education.
