For the next five weeks, Northern Kentucky University will be home to more than 360 of Kentucky’s top high school students as part of the Governor’s Scholar Program.
The high school seniors will live in the Residential Village on NKU’s Highland Heights campus, study in academic buildings such as Griffin Hall, enjoy amenities such as the Campus Recreation Center and Votruba Student Union, and explore attractions across the region.
“We are proud to again host the Governor’s Scholars Program,” said NKU President Geoffrey S. Mearns. “This program helps Kentucky accomplish its goals by creating strong leaders and a skilled workforce right here in the Commonwealth, a goal our University shares.”
The students will attend classes and seminars daily, and will also attend special events in the evenings and on weekends. Those include visits to the Cincinnati Zoo, Newport Aquarium, Cincinnati Reds, and National Underground Railroad Freedom Center; service learning opportunities with Hoxworth Blood Center and the Special Olympics; and theatre performances at NKU’s School of the Arts.
“By living and learning on campus, the students will receive the full college experience – but they will also be immersed in the community,” said Dr. Kimberly Clayton-Code, program liaison and professor of gifted and talented education in NKU’s College of Education and Human Services.
The Governor’s Scholar Program was created in 1983 to help create the next generation of civic and economic leaders and showcase the educational and career opportunities offered across Kentucky. It is offered free of charge to outstanding high school seniors.
Prominent alumni in the Northern Kentucky region include U.S. Congressman Thomas Massie and Trey Grayson, former Kentucky Secretary of State and president of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
The first Governor’s Scholar class included 245 students on one college campus. Today, more than 1,000 students participate in the program on one of three campuses across Kentucky.
NKU most recently hosted the program in 2004, and will now host through 2018.