Frankfort, Kentucky, September 15, 2025
News Summary
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System has announced the KCTCS 4-H Scholarship, awarding $1,000 each to four high school graduates for their community college education. This initiative aims to support students with financial needs and recognition of their commitment to the 4-H program. The recipients are Mackenzey Rucker, Jacob Spence, Audrina Noman, and Hailey Smith, who have shown exemplary achievements in both academics and 4-H involvement.
Frankfort, Kentucky – The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) has announced the first recipients of the newly established KCTCS 4-H Scholarship. Four high school graduates from across Kentucky will each receive $1,000 to aid their education at a community college during the 2025-2026 academic year. This initiative aims to support high school seniors who have shown exemplary commitment to the 4-H program, alongside academic merit and financial need.
The recipients of the scholarship include Mackenzey Rucker from LaRue County High School, Jacob Spence from Barren County High School, Audrina Noman from Monroe County High School, and Hailey Smith from Campbell County High School. Each of these students was selected based on their achievements in the 4-H program, their academic performance, and their demonstration of unmet financial needs.
Jacob Spence, one of the scholarship winners, plans to attend Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College to pursue an associate degree in arts. The scholarship initiative was created with the intent to enhance support for students in Kentucky’s community colleges, emphasizing the state’s commitment to fostering accessible educational pathways for its youth.
KCTCS President Ryan Quarles highlighted the significance of the KCTCS 4-H Scholarship in helping young Kentuckians build brighter futures. By providing financial assistance, the program aims to reduce barriers to education for those active in 4-H, enabling them to further their academic and professional aspirations.
Eligibility Criteria
The KCTCS 4-H Scholarship is open to high school seniors who meet several criteria:
- Active membership in 4-H
- Demonstrated academic merit
- Maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0
- Showing unmet financial needs
Background on KCTCS and 4-H
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education across the state. The introduction of the KCTCS 4-H Scholarship in 2025 further highlights the organization’s commitment to assisting students, especially those involved in community and leadership programs like 4-H, which fosters skills in agriculture, science, and leadership among youth.
The KCTCS 4-H Scholarship is part of a broader initiative aimed at making higher education more attainable for students who might otherwise face obstacles. By supporting students who are engaged in their communities through programs like 4-H, KCTCS intends to cultivate a generation of educated leaders prepared to contribute positively to society.
Future Implications
The introduction of this scholarship will likely inspire more students to engage in 4-H programs and consider pursuing higher education at community colleges. With financial assistance available, students who may have hesitated to continue their education can now have a greater opportunity to do so, potentially improving their long-term career prospects and contributions to their communities.
Conclusion
The KCTCS 4-H Scholarship represents a significant step towards supporting Kentucky youth in their educational goals while rewarding their participation in valuable educational programs. By addressing both academic performance and financial needs, this initiative showcases Kentucky’s commitment to the personal and professional development of its students.
FAQ Section
What is the KCTCS 4-H Scholarship?
The KCTCS 4-H Scholarship is a financial aid program established to support high school seniors active in 4-H, providing scholarships of $1,000 to help cover community college tuition during the 2025-2026 academic year.
Who are the recipients of this scholarship?
The scholarship recipients are Mackenzey Rucker, Jacob Spence, Audrina Noman, and Hailey Smith, all of whom hail from various high schools in Kentucky.
What are the eligibility criteria for the scholarship?
Eligibility criteria include being an active 4-H member, maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrating academic merit, and showing unmet financial need.
What are the future goals of the KCTCS 4-H Scholarship?
The scholarship aims to encourage greater participation in 4-H programs while providing financial support to help students pursue higher education in community colleges, ultimately benefiting their communities.
Key Features Chart
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Scholarship Amount | $1,000 per recipient |
| Number of Recipients | 4 students |
| Educational Level | Community College |
| Application Year | 2025-2026 academic year |
| Eligibility | Active 4-H member, minimum GPA of 2.0, academic merit, and unmet financial need |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- WCLU Radio: Barren County Graduate Receives $1,000 4-H Scholarship
- Wikipedia: 4-H
- Owensboro Times: Ag Tag Donations Open to Support Kentucky’s Next Generation of Farmers
- Google Search: KCTCS 4-H Scholarship
- Kentucky Today: Ag Tag Program Nets Record Amount
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community College
- WBKR: Daviess County Fair Schedule – 4-H Scholarship Fundraiser Event
- Google News: Kentucky 4-H
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