KEA believes it is important that we have a highly qualified and diverse public school faculty and staff that is reflective of the population of our state, our students, and our public schools. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, educators of color comprise only 5% of the Kentucky teaching population, while the state as a whole has a 13.7% ethnic minority population. Consequently, many of our students of color may never see a role model at the front of the classroom who looks like them. KEA hopes to help change that by offering these scholarships.

The total award for an individual successful applicant is $5,000 dispersed over 4 years. (Year 1 – $500; Year 2 – $1,000; Year 3- $1,500; Year 4- $2,000).

The recipient must be an ethnic minority enrolled full-time in an educator preparation program in Kentucky. Recipients of these scholarships will be asked to submit a copy of their schedule each semester as proof of enrollment in the educator preparation course of study. In addition to providing financial support through the scholarship, the KEA Ethnic Minority Directors will mentor and support the recipients throughout their educational career.

Before you begin: Applicants will be asked to answer all of the following questions:

• Why did you choose to major in education?
• What is a barrier/challenge that you have overcome in your education?
• If awarded this scholarship, I will be able to…..

Applicants will also be asked to upload a picture of themselves.

Deadline for applications is October 15, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. eastern. All applications must be submitted using this online form.