Advocate for increased appropriations for the three primary Kentucky Lottery-funded state financial aid programs, with a particular emphasis on the need-based College Access Program and Kentucky Tuition Grant.

 

Kentucky’s Lottery-funded financial aid programs make it possible for Kentuckians, regardless of income, to pursue an independent college education where they have the greatest opportunity for success.

 

AIKCU is grateful for the General Assembly’s longstanding support of CAP, KTG, and the Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship, and asks that legislators continue that investment in students in the next biennial budget.

 

Protect institutional autonomy.

 

AIKCU member institutions are independent and mission-driven, and as private nonprofit businesses must be allowed to operate freely in accordance with those missions. AIKCU will monitor legislation and oppose efforts to infringe on institutional autonomy.

 

Advocate for independent colleges and universities to play a bigger role in workforce and economic development strategies.

 

AIKCU will continue to educate lawmakers, the Executive Branch, and others about the important contributions our members make to workforce and economic development efforts in the commonwealth.

 

While AIKCU members have always played a significant role in addressing Kentucky’s critical education and workforce needs – including current workforce priorities such as healthcare workers and educators – there may be additional opportunities for the state to leverage the contributions of the independent sector to address specific state priorities.