KENTUCKY — A new effort is underway to boost education and employability among Kentucky's adults.

Gov. Andy Beshear today announced a new campaign behind the Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship.

“Building a better Kentucky means supporting educational opportunities for every Kentucky family,” Gov. Beshear said. “During this ongoing pandemic when many Kentuckians are seeking new opportunities this scholarship can help students get free or reduced tuition to take industry-specific, short-term courses that prepare them to get to work in weeks, or they can even choose to earn an associate degree.”

Several colleges and universities across Kentucky offer over 350 course offerings in fields like health care, manufacturing, business and information technology, construction/skilled trades, and transportation/logisitics.

Those interested in the program can go online or call 833-711 for assistance from advisors on how to enroll in the program.

The scholarship now has a popular name behind it. 

Hip-hop artist Buffalo "B." Stille of Nappy Roots created a rap about it, featured by the campaign.

A Grammy and American Music Award nominee, Stille recently earned his bachelor's degree. Stille, a Kentucky native, urges Kentuckians to "Never underestimate you!" in his rap.

“I believe that education is the one thing that nobody can take away from you,” said Stille. “The Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship program is amazing because it offers a lot of different skills sets and is tuition free. If I can go back to school, anybody can do it.”

The scholarship, funded by the Kentucky Lottery, covers the remaining cost of tuition and fees after federal, state, and campus grants and scholarships are applied, providing up to 60 hours of tuition for anyone who has not yet earned an associate degree in specific technical programs.

Scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and participating campuses verify each student's eligibility, including enrollment in an approved program.

Courses are available through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), Campbellsville University, Eastern Kentucky University, Galen College of Nursing, MedQuest College, Northern Kentucky University, Sullivan University, University of Kentucky, and Western Kentucky University.

The scholarship award cannot exceed the in-state tuition and fee rate for enrollment at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System.