Governor Scholars Program, alumni urge continued state funding as GSP seeks $2 million

Dr. Jennifer Price, executive director and academic dean of the Governor Scholars Program, told the House Primary and Secondary Education Committee that the program — a 501(c)(3) administratively attached to the Education and Labor Cabinet — relies heavily on state appropriations and asked lawmakers to continue funding its summer scholarships.

"We are so grateful for the consistent funding Kentucky's General Assembly has appropriated over the years, representing about 75% of our total operating budget," Price said. She told the committee the program expects to invite about 1,020 scholars across three campuses in 2026 and that a $2.0 million appropriation would significantly support that participation; Price added that $2.1 million would maintain a prior level of about 1,050 scholars.

Two students who attended Governor Scholars last summer described the program's impact. Max Corbett, a 2025 scholar at Murray State University, said the experience expanded his view of Kentucky and introduced him to peers across the state: "The exposure you get to all the cultures, ideas, and personalities that exemplify the spirit of Kentucky is, in my opinion, what makes the program as great as it is." Abigail Ziegler, who attended Morehead State University's session, called GSP "one of the most transformative experiences in my life so far" and said it increased her likelihood of attending college in Kentucky.

Committee members responded with personal endorsements and questions about budget mechanics and administration. Representative Clines congratulated Price on her promotion and confirmed she has served about a year and a half as executive director. Members asked whether funding language would appear in HB 500 (state budget); Representative Duvall and Dr. Price described the $2.0 million request as a separate pilot funding request submitted for consideration.

Why it matters: Committee members noted GSP's long record of alumni who remain in public life and stressed the program's role in workforce and civic leadership development. The presentation framed the request as part of a public–private partnership that leverages college scholarships for participants and seeks to preserve the program's statewide reach.

What happens next: The committee heard the presentation and questions; no formal committee action on GSP was recorded. Dr. Price and student presenters thanked the committee for its time and asked for continued legislative support.