KEES, Parents, and You

Many young adults do not to seek education beyond high school because many of their family members did not go beyond high school. Many parents and teens do not think they can afford to further their education, especially with the cost of four years of college going up so much every year.

In Kentucky, one way to handle the cost of college is to get good grades in high school. The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES), funded by Kentucky Lottery proceeds, is available to students who earn at least a 2.5 GPA in high school. If you had a 4.00 grade point average throughout high school, you would have $2,000 toward your first year of school. Keep in mind, however, that continuing to receive additional KEES money beyond your first year is contingent upon maintaining good grades. Failure to keep your grades up can result in your scholarship money being reduced or cut off for the following school year.

In addition to KEES, other scholarships and financial assistance are available. Be sure to find out what options are open to you, as scholarships, fellowships, and other grants can save you a ton of money and keep you out of debt.

Another option is parents or grandparents setting up a 529 saving account. The money that parents and grandparents put in the account will grow tax free and help prepare families for financial impact of college.


READERS, what do you think?

How has your guidance counselor, teacher, or friend affected your decision on whether or not to further your education?



References

Yamamoto, Julie. (2007, September 26). Only 29 Percent of Americans Have a College Degree. The Olympian. Retrieved November 6, 2009, from http://www.theolympian.com/columnists/story/227366.html.