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Breaking Down Barriers to
Make College Accessible and Affordable

For many families, sending your child to college can feel like an unattainable goal. We’re here to help. Our goal is to give eligible students the support, access, and scholarships needed to ensure they have the chance to pursue their college and career goals.


What is the Evolve502 Scholarship?

The Evolve502 Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship program that covers a student’s college tuition after federal and state aid has been applied. The scholarship application will open in mid-August to eligible JCPS Class of 2025 students and may be used to earn an associate degree, workforce credential or up to 60 undergraduate credit hours at any Kentucky Community and Technical College including Jefferson Community and Technical College, or Simmons College of Kentucky.

Student Application Page
Who’s Eligible?

The Evolve502 Scholarship application will open to all eligible JCPS Class of 2025 graduates in mid-August.

Applicants must be a Kentucky resident and complete one of the following requirements:

  • Attended JCPS since at least the 9th grade* and graduate from a JCPS high school in 2025 or
  • Earned a GED within 12 months of their original 2025 JCPS high school graduation date

Class of 2025 students who enroll in the military no later than 90 days after high school graduation may defer eligibility while in active duty.

*We encourage students who have not attended JCPS since 9th grade to submit an application. Once your application is received, a Student Success Coordinator will reach out to discuss available options with you, which may include submitting an appeal to the scholarship committee.

View eligibility information
How does my student apply for the scholarship?

Applying for the Evolve502 Scholarship is a four-part process:

  • Complete the Evolve502 Scholarship Application
    • JCPS Class of 2025 students can complete the online application beginning in mid-August. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and must be submitted no later than July 15, 2025. We strongly advise completing the form as early as possible
    • Once a student applies, an Evolve502 Student Success Coordinator will email them and outline all the next required steps.  The coordinator will be the student’s main contact throughout the rest of the application process
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
    • 2025 graduates should complete the 2025-2026 application at studentaid.gov
    • When submitting your FAFSA, make sure to list the colleges a student is applying to
    • Get started on your FAFSA early. Ideally, the student should have their FAFSA completed in early spring (before spring break)
  • Apply and enroll at any Kentucky Community and Technical College, including Jefferson Community and Technical College, or Simmons College of Kentucky
  • Complete high school or GED requirements
What’s the deadline?

Our scholarship application opens in mid-August and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. July 15, 2025, though we strongly recommend students complete the application and other required steps before graduating high school.

FAQs

What degrees & credentials and colleges are eligible?

The Evolve502 Scholarship can be used to earn an associate degree, workforce credential, or as a pathway to earn a four-year degree at any Kentucky Community & Technical College , including Jefferson Community and Technical College , and Simmons College of Kentucky .

Where can I find more information about college admissions requirements?

You can learn about admissions requirements and apply to Jefferson Community and Technical College , KCTCS , and Simmons College of Kentucky .

Is there additional financial assistance available?

Any eligible student with a household income of $47,000 or below will automatically receive an Opportunity Grant of $1,100 per semester (up to $2,200 per year, spring and fall only) to assist in defraying the total cost of attendance or to help students pay for unexpected expenses which might occur while enrolled. Students must complete the full Evolve502 Scholarship application process.

How can I help prepare my student for college?

The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority has a lot of great information resources to help families and students plan for college, including things to consider when picking a school, pre-college curriculum check, entrance and placement tests, college cost calculator, financial planning and resources, career resources, and more.

Are there any resources to help with the FAFSA form?

Visit our FAFSA resources page to get up-to-date information on completing the FAFSA and creating an FSA ID, as well information on the lates FAFSA completion events in Louisville.

How can I help my student decide what degree and career to pursue?

The College Board has a great career exploration tool to help students match the school classes they like with a degree and career they will love.

What if my student doesn’t qualify? Are there any other scholarships available?

Please check the following resources for assistance.

KHEAA

Additional help?

Sign up for Evolve502 Parent Reminders!
Accessibility by WAH