How Students Earn Scholarships Just by Doing Their Best
At Prestige Pathways, one of the most common questions I get from students and parents is,
“How does KEES money work — and do other states have something like it?”
Let’s dive in!
💰 What Is KEES?
The Kentucky Educational Excellence Scholarship (KEES) is one of the best hidden gems for Kentucky students. The beauty of it? You don’t even have to apply!
Each year you’re in high school, you earn money toward college simply by doing your best in the classroom. Your GPA and ACT or SAT scores determine how much you’ll receive — and every year, it adds up.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Up to $500 per year based on GPA
- Up to $500 in bonus money based on ACT or SAT score
- You can earn over $10,000 total to use at Kentucky colleges or universities
And the best part?
👉 Your KEES money stacks on top of your other scholarships!
That means your hard work can truly pay off — literally — helping you graduate debt-free when combined with local, institutional, and national awards.
📚 How the SAT Fits In
With many Kentucky schools transitioning to the SAT, students often ask if it will affect their KEES awards.
Here’s the good news:
KEES recognizes both ACT and SAT scores. You’ll automatically receive the higher bonus amount based on whichever test you perform best on.
So whether you’re more of an ACT or SAT test-taker, your effort counts toward your KEES bonus — no extra steps required!
🌎 Do Other States Offer KEES-Like Programs?
Yes! Many states reward students the same way Kentucky does. While the names vary, the idea is the same: your grades and test scores can earn you money for college.
Here are a few examples:
| State | Program Name | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | KEES | Earns automatic scholarships for GPA + ACT/SAT scores. |
| Tennessee | HOPE Scholarship | Awarded for a 21+ ACT or 3.0 GPA. |
| Georgia | HOPE & Zell Miller | Based on GPA and ACT/SAT; covers most or all tuition. |
| Florida | Bright Futures | GPA, test scores, and service hours; up to 100% tuition. |
| West Virginia | PROMISE Scholarship | 3.0 GPA + 21 ACT or 1080 SAT; covers tuition. |
| Louisiana | TOPS | Multiple award levels based on GPA and ACT/SAT. |
| Arkansas | Academic Challenge | GPA and test-based; up to $4,000 annually. |
Each program looks a little different, but the heart behind them is the same — rewarding students for dedication and achievement.
💬 What If You’re From Another State?
If you’re from outside Kentucky and want to know how your state’s scholarship or merit program works, please let us know!
At Prestige Pathways, we help students and families across the U.S. understand their options, apply strategically, and maximize every dollar available for higher education.
Because every student deserves to know what opportunities are waiting for them. 🌟
🪶 Find Your Feathers. Fund Your Future.
Whether you’re earning KEES in Kentucky or a similar scholarship in another state, your story and your effort matter. Keep those grades up, aim high on your test scores, and stay consistent — because those habits not only open doors to college but also lighten the financial load along the way.
At Prestige Pathways, we’re here to help you navigate the process, find your unique story, and build a pathway to a debt-free degree.