Kentucky launches 'Help Wanted Kentucky' outreach campaign

LOUISVILLE, KY (WAVE) - Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet Secretary Hal Heiner announced new details on Wednesday about the state-funded scholarship that could change the face of the commonwealth's workforce.

Heiner unveiled an outreach campaign aimed at educating Kentuckians about the numerous job openings in the state and the short-term certification programs that will connect the students to careers through the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS).

The scholarship is a a response to an increasing demand for workers in the healthcare, business and IT, construction, transportation and logistics, and advanced manufacturing industries across the state of Kentucky.

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In order to be eligible for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, students must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Be a Kentucky resident
• Be a high school or GED graduate
• Have not earned an associate's or higher degree
• Be enrolled, or accepted for enrollment, at an eligible post-secondary institution in an approved program of study that leads to an industry recognized certificate, credential, or diploma in a high-demand workforce sector.

Once the student has enrolled at a participating WRKS school, and applied for federal and state financial aid, they can apply for the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship, which will provide funding for up to 32 credit hours.

Both UPS and JCTC are taking part in the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship.

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