KCTCS awards scholarships to Youth of the Year finalists

Published on Apr 10, 2025

In partnership with the Kentucky Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, the Kentucky Community and Technical College System awarded $2,000 scholarships to each of the five finalists in the state Youth of the Year program, the clubs’ premier recognition and character development program for youth.

“These clubs offer life-shaping experiences for our youth and serve as vital forces in their communities,” said Brooke Justice, interim president of the Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College. “We are delighted to support this important work.” 

Many of the KCTCS colleges are involved with their local Boys and Girls Clubs, with some hosting clubs on campus. The scholarships can be used at any of the 16 colleges in the system.

The five recipients are high school students from Bowling Green, Fort Campbell, Fort Knox, Louisville and Paducah. 

Jessie Schook, KCTCS vice president of workforce and economic development, said, “Through this partnership and the Youth of the Year program, KCTCS and the Kentucky Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs will continue to empower young leaders, ensuring they have access to the support and resources needed to achieve their educational and career goals." 

The awards ceremony was held recently in Bowling Green.

The Youth of the Year program celebrates extraordinary achievements of club members who embody the values of leadership, service, academic excellence, and healthy lifestyles, and provides opportunities for club members to build critical skills and experiences and celebrate their accomplishments among their peers.