Barr: $20M federal grant awarded to Kentucky Education Development Corporation

LEXINGTON, Ky. — More than $3 million in federal funds will benefit the Kentucky Education Development Corporation, officials say.

This is according to an announcement Wednesday by U.S. Congressman Andy Barr (R-KY), whose office states a federal grant of $3,230,400 is being awarded through the U.S. Department of Education’s GEAR UP Elevate grant.

Officials say the grant was awarded to the current government shutdown as of Wednesday.

The release further states the federal initiative aims to expand postsecondary success “for underserved students in rural, high-poverty community.”

Through the Elevate project, students across 27 schools in 12 districts will be served to strengthen academic performance, high school graduation and college-going outcomes.

“For 60 years, KEDC has helped shape future generations of Kentuckians,” Barr, who wrote a letter of support for the grant application. “This federal award will strengthen their work by expanding mentorship, guidance, and resources for students in need across our Commonwealth. I especially want to thank CEO Nancy Hutchinson and her entire team for their dedication to putting the GEAR UP grant to work for Kentucky students, including those in Bourbon and Nicholas Counties right here in the Sixth District.”

“We are thrilled to receive the GEAR UP Elevate Grant, which will empower students across 12 districts and 22 schools over the next seven years — providing academic support, fostering college readiness and awareness, engaging families, intervening early, and bolstering professional development. This initiative will transform lives and strengthen our educational communities,” said Nancy Hutchinson, CEO of KEDC.

Participating district include Bourbon, Boyd, Harrison, Johnson, Lawrence, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Morgan, Nicholas, Rockcastle and Rowan counties.