# Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship The **Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)** is a merit-based scholarship program designed to reward academic achievement for Kentucky high school students. Administered by the **Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)**, KEES provides financial assistance for students pursuing higher education in Kentucky. By earning good grades throughout high school, students accumulate scholarship funds that can be used at eligible in-state colleges and universities. This program offers a valuable opportunity for students to reduce the financial burden of post-secondary education while being recognized for their academic efforts. ## Program Structure The KEES program is entirely virtual and does not require in-person participation. The scholarship is cumulative, meaning students earn money each year of high school based on their GPA and ACT (or SAT) scores. The program tracks academic performance from grades 9 through 12, and students can monitor their scholarship totals via an online portal managed by KHEAA. The scholarship funds become available after high school graduation and can be applied toward tuition and approved educational expenses at participating Kentucky institutions. The program does not have a specific timeline for application, as eligibility is automatically determined based on students' academic records, which are reported by their schools to KHEAA. Students receive annual updates regarding their KEES award amounts. ## What Students Experience While KEES is a scholarship program rather than a traditional extracurricular activity, it motivates students to excel academically throughout high school. By tying scholarship amounts to GPA and standardized test performance, KEES encourages sustained academic effort and preparation for college-level coursework. Students also gain valuable experience in goal-setting and tracking their progress toward financial and educational milestones. Additionally, students gain access to KHEAA's resources to assist with college planning, including tools for budgeting, financial aid information, and career exploration. Although there is no direct mentorship component, the program reinforces the importance of academic success and planning for the future. ## Why It Matters for College Applications The KEES scholarship highlights a student’s commitment to academic excellence over time. It demonstrates consistent performance and the ability to achieve measurable goals, both of which are qualities colleges value in applicants. Furthermore, earning KEES funds indicates a student’s ability to take advantage of state-based opportunities, showcasing initiative and responsibility in preparing for college. For Kentucky students, this scholarship also ensures access to financial resources, making higher education more accessible and affordable. ## Eligibility To be eligible for the KEES program, students must meet the following criteria: - Be a Kentucky resident. - Attend a certified Kentucky high school (public or private). - Earn a minimum GPA in high school coursework to qualify for scholarship funds. - Take the ACT or SAT to qualify for bonus awards based on test scores. - Plan to attend an eligible post-secondary institution in Kentucky after graduation. The program is available to students in **grade 12** who have accumulated funds through their high school years. There is no cost to participate. ## How to Participate KEES does not require a separate application. Instead, students are automatically enrolled in the program through their high school. Academic records, including GPA and test scores, are submitted by schools to KHEAA, which calculates the scholarship awards. Students can check their KEES account and monitor their accumulated funds by logging into the online portal on the KHEAA website. For detailed information, including eligibility requirements and participating institutions, visit the **Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)** website: [https://www.kheaa.com](https://www.kheaa.com).