Work Ready Kentucky Scholarship (WRKS)
Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA)
Last-dollar scholarship covering tuition (up to KCTCS rates) for a certificate, diploma or AAS degree in a high-demand field, for Kentuckians without an associate degree.
- How much
- Tuition and fees minus federal and state grants and scholarships, up to the KCTCS in-state tuition and fees rate (fees capped at $400/yr)
- Who qualifies
- Kentucky resident; high school graduate or enrolled in/completed a GED program; no associate or higher degree; enrolled in an approved WRKS program of study (certificate, diploma or AAS) or a CTP program; satisfactory academic progress; not in default on Title IV or KHEAA programs.
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- For Construction, Education, Healthcare students
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
- When to apply
- Open now Rolling, first-come first-served by WRKS application date until funds are exhausted; new application each award year.
- How to apply
- Complete the FAFSA and the 2026-27 WRKS application in MyKHEAA (kheaa.com)
- Apply early: awards are first-come, first-served by application date while funds last
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (kheaa.com) and page 2
The details
WRKS pays the tuition and fees left after federal and state grants and scholarships, capped at the in-state tuition and fees rate of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System; the fees portion is capped at $400 per year. The program must lead to an industry-recognized certificate, diploma or Associate of Applied Science in a high-demand sector — for 2026-27: Construction, Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing and Logistics, and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services — or be a comprehensive transition and postsecondary (CTP) program. Students may not be enrolled at the same time in a bachelor's or other associate program. Eligibility ends after funding for 60 credit hours or a first associate degree. Awarded first-come, first-served by WRKS application date, subject to funds (the 2023-24 application closed early when funding ran out). Available at all KCTCS campuses and about 20 other approved Kentucky institutions.
More money from Kentucky
- Optometry Scholarship$15,000 per recipient (2026-27; varies yearly with funding)
- College Access Program (CAP) GrantUp to $2,500 at a two-year institution; up to $5,300 at a four-year institution (2026-27)
- Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG)Up to $3,300 for the 2026-27 academic year
- Early Graduation Scholarship CertificateOne-half of the state portion of the average per-pupil SEEK base guarantee for the graduation year (one-time)
- Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES)Varies: $187-$500 per year of college for each high school year with a 2.75+ GPA, plus ACT/SAT bonus up to $500 and AP/IB/CAI supplements of $200-$300 per qualifying score (free/reduced lunch students)
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.