Governor Andy Beshear, Mayor Linda Gorton and Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins today announced a $500,000 award from the Governor’s “Everybody Counts” grant to expand scholarship opportunities in Lexington.
“Governor Beshear will always put education first, and you’re seeing that here today, as we’re announcing $500,000 for scholarships for young leaders in Fayette County,” said Rocky Adkins, Gov. Beshear’s senior advisor. “I’m proud to be here in Lexington as we celebrate the Everybody Counts program, which is helping our high school seniors start college or their career, so they can go after their dreams.”
The “Building Bridges to Opportunity” program will provide college scholarships and funding for non-traditional post-secondary skills development, as well as support services for the recipients through One Lexington. The program will also provide trauma-informed care services, enhance in-school mentoring and provide additional programming to support those affected by gun violence.
“Governor Beshear is opening the doors of opportunity to young people who have faced real challenges in their lives,” Mayor Linda Gorton said. “He is making it possible for them to build bridges to bright futures.”
One Lexington plans to use the funds to provide $10,000 scholarships in the 2025-26 school year to 18 rising seniors of color. Two scholarships will be offered at each of Fayette County’s six public high schools; plus one scholarship at each of the district’s six non-traditional high schools. Students must be interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice, public safety, education or mental health fields.
Devine Carama, One Lexington director, said, “Systemic inequalities, effects of the global pandemic, and generational barriers in many of our communities led to a spike in gun violence between 2018-2022. While a robust crisis response through programming services is vital to how we address gun violence, creating opportunities for our most underserved young people gives us the greatest chance to disrupt gun violence in our communities in the long term. This collaborative initiative does that.”
The “Building Bridges to Opportunity” funding will expand the scholarship program One Lexington launched in 2022, the “Be the Change” scholarship. It began with donations from Central Bank and Galls, which teamed with the city to provide $10,000 scholarships to two local Bryan Station High School students interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice or public safety.
Thanks to funding from “Everybody Counts,” One Lexington also plans to:
- Set aside $100,000 to fund scholarships in job training for any rising senior whose life has been affected by gun violence;
- Dedicate $150,000 to enhance One Lexington’s in-school mentoring groups to provide access to services for Fayette County Public School students and their family members who need mental health and trauma support services; and
- Provide $1,000 matching grants to 13 Family Resource and Youth Service Centers in schools located in neighborhoods where there has been repeat gun violence. The grants will be matched by the City through One Lexington. The Centers provide support in the areas of basic needs, school attendance, social skills, crisis response, and community partnerships.
“Ensuring success of our most vulnerable students is not just a priority, it is our moral obligation,” said Dr. Demetrus Liggins, Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent. “With the right support, every student has the ability to thrive and achieve his or her full potential. It is our duty as educators and community members to provide the resources and encouragement they need to succeed.”
For more information go to: Building Bridges To Opportunity | City of Lexington (lexingtonky.gov).
The Fayette Education Foundation, which supports educational excellence in Fayette County Public Schools by promoting equity for all students, will administer the “Building Bridges to Opportunity” grant with support from the Blue Grass Community Foundation. Blue Grass Community Foundation connects charitable individuals, families, businesses, communities and nonprofit organizations with causes they care about to meet community needs and make a difference.
