Kentucky awarded $20M in federal funding to support rural and high-poverty schools

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – More than $20 million in federal funding is coming to Kentucky to help students in rural and high-poverty communities.

According to officials, the Kentucky Education Development Corporation will receive over $3 million each year for the next seven years through the GEAR UP Elevate initiative.

The grant will serve 27 schools in 12 districts across the state, offering academic support, mentorship, college readiness programs, and family engagement opportunities. Leaders say the investment will help boost high school graduation rates and expand college access for thousands of Kentucky students.