Breaking Down Barriers to
Make College Accessible and Affordable

For many families, sending your child to college can feel like an unattainable goal. Between the high costs of tuition and the processes that can feel overwhelming to first-generation families. We’re here to help. Our goal is to give eligible students the support, access, and scholarships 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 tuition after federal and state aid has been applied. The 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,  or Simmons College of Kentucky.

Student Application Page
Who’s Eligible?

The Evolve502 Scholarship application will open to all eligible JCPS Class of 2023 graduates on Oct. 4. Eligibility is open to students in the JCPS Class of 2023 who meet the following criteria:

  • Attended JCPS since at least the 9th grade and graduated from a JCPS high school*
  • Meet all other eligibility criteria, were enrolled in JCPS since at least the 9th grade, and earned a GED within 12 months of their original high school graduation date
  • Must be a Kentucky resident

Class of 2023 students who enroll in the military no later than 90 days after high school graduation may defer eligibility while in active duty. Please contact your student success coordinator for more information on military deferments.

*Students who have not attended a JCPS since 9th grade should proceed in submitting 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 2023 students can complete the online application beginning Oct. 4, 2022. It takes about 5 minutes to complete and must be submitted no later than July 15, 2023. We strongly advice 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)
    • 2023 graduates should complete the 2023-2024 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 annually on Oct. 1 and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. July 15, though we strongly recommend students complete the application and other required steps before graduating high school.

Additional help?

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 $40,000 or below will automatically receive an Opportunity Grant of $1,000 per semester (up to $2,000 per year) 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?

For a general overview and video tutorials for completing the FAFSA form, visit Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority .

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.

Any ECE Support available?

Visit the Jefferson Community and Technical College Accessibility Resources Center .

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

Please check the following resources for assistance.

KHEAA