LEXINGTON, Ky --- This week marks the third and final week of the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts summer program. The annual program is geared towards middle and high school students who have an interest in fine arts.

Here are five things to know about the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts Summer Program

  1. This is the first year the University of Kentucky has ever hosted this program. It's previously been held at Centre College in Danville.
  2. Over 1,400 Kentucky students submitted applications to participate in the summer program. 256 students from 50+ Kentucky counties were selected 
  3. The 3-week, tuition-free summer residential program that focuses in nine different disciplines
  4. Since 1987, more than 6,100 talented high school sophomores and juniors have attended GSA
  5. GSA alumni are highly competitive prospective college students routinely scoring higher GPAs and ACT scores than both the state and national averages
  6. 98% of GSA alumni attend college and/or receive scholarships to a higher education institution

“So students are living in residences with faculty and staff and undergoing really intense study of their art form, where in class or studio, performances or field trips, really from 9am to 10pm, most days, seven days a week," explains Nick Colvault, Director of the Governor's School for the Arts program.

“It’s great. It’s amazing. Just being able to be with other like-minded people, whether they’re from Louisville or somewhere else, or they’re here in Lexington with me, it’s just so great to be around all those people who love music and want to work together and collaborate,” adds Dalton Stanland.

Many of the students shared that the Governor's School for the Arts program is an opportunity that they will cherish for many years to come.

“Most summer programs are only focused on one area, but being here, you are focused on dance, writing, drama. And you take your art form that you’re really passionate about and apply it to other art forms that you really wouldn’t think, ‘oh, this goes together. So I really encourage students who are interested in art to really apply and give it a shot because it’s totally worth it.” adds Ani Hutchens, student at Lafayette High School