Coveted Transportation Engineering Scholarship Deadline Fast Approaching

Eligible students are encouraged to apply by Feb.1

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 23, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear encourages the next generation of transportation leaders to build a meaningful career by applying for state-sponsored engineering and construction-management scholarships. Students who are interested in one of three higher education scholarships at Kentucky universities and colleges must apply by Feb. 1, 2024.

“These scholarships are pathways to opportunity for Kentucky youth,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “I want to encourage eligible students to take the time to apply to help fund their education and graduate with a guaranteed job.”

Up to 20 scholarships will be awarded for the 2024 - 2025 academic year in civil engineering, engineering technology and construction management by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC). The annual scholarship comes with a paid summer job and guaranteed employment with KYTC upon graduation. Current college students as well as upcoming freshmen are eligible.

“For more than 75 years, the scholarship program has helped recruit some of the best and brightest students who have become invaluable members of our team,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “We invest in the talented minds of our college students and our state benefits by keeping the best and brightest living and working right here in Kentucky.” 

More than 2,000 students have received $19.4 million from the Civil Engineering Scholarship Program since it began in 1948.

The Civil Engineering Scholarship is for students focusing on a four-year engineering degree who attend the University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University or Kentucky State University. It is awarded to 10-20 new students and can be worth up to $59,200 (ranging from $7,200 to $7,600 per semester).

The Civil Engineering Technology Scholarship was established in 2009 in partnership with the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) at Big Sandy Community & Technical College. Each scholarship student will receive $3,700 per semester to complete an Associate’s Degree in Civil Engineering Technology from Prestonsburg. The Cabinet will award up to 10 scholarships to students to attend either campus.

The Construction Management Scholarship. This scholarship is for students focusing on a four-year construction management degree at Northern Kentucky University, Eastern Kentucky University, Western Kentucky University, Morehead State University or Murray State University.  A limited number of scholarships will be offered and they will be worth up to $59,200 (also ranging from $7,200 to $7,600 per semester).

All three types of scholarships include summer employment and job placement at KYTC after graduation. Scholarship recipients agree to work for KYTC for a year for every year they received the scholarship. Former scholarship recipients have held top management positions at KYTC including multiple state highway engineers, chief district engineers and branch managers.

KYTC Deputy Secretary Hancock was a sophomore at the former Hopkinsville Community College when he applied for his scholarship. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1978.

“I can’t overstate how exciting it was to receive that scholarship” Deputy Secretary Hancock said. “I didn’t know where my education was going to take me, but I knew it gave me the keys to open doors. I’m grateful to have been a recipient.”

Scholarship recipients will be notified in April.

For more information about these scholarships and other educational opportunities, please visit https://transportation.ky.gov/Education/ or call (502) 782-4970.