Governor’s Scholars Program *Information obtained from www.gsp.ky.gov and/or from GSP summer workshop for educators.*

Governor’s Scholars Program – What Is It? “A stimulating, five-week, residential summer program for outstanding Kentucky students completing their junior year in high school. Established in 1983, the popular program provides academic and personal growth in a challenging, non-traditional environment that balances a strong liberal arts program with a full co-curricular and residential life experience.” Program is 5 weeks long without interruption – must be able to commit to the full 5 weeks! Very first day is absolutely critical. Students cannot select which session they attend. The 2018 program: Morehead State University campus in Morehead Murray State University campus in Murray Northern Kentucky University campus in Highland Heights

GSP – Who is eligible to apply? Students in the 11th grade at a Kentucky public or private school at the time of selection and intend to return to a Kentucky school district for the next school term (Students skipping their senior year to enter college are not eligible) Students who are current residents of Kentucky Students must have taken the ACT, PSAT, or SAT in the 9th, 10th or 11th grades prior to submitting their application. After completion of their own Governor's Scholars application, students must be selected and sent by their school districts or private schools to be considered for the statewide selection process. *At this point, BCHS can submit up to 8 names this year, based on size of junior class.

GSP Scholarship Opportunities Some KY colleges offer renewable full-tuition scholarship opportunities for students who are Governor’s Scholars: Berea College Campbellsville University Eastern Kentucky University Kentucky State University Lindsey Wilson College Morehead State University Murray State University Northern Kentucky University Union College University of Kentucky – *min. ACT score 31, 3.5 unweighted GPA University of Louisville - *28 ACT, cumulative GPA of 3.35 There are other scholarship opportunities available at KY colleges and universities – more information is on the GSP website.

GSP – Random Facts from 2016 3.97 was average GPA of students who were selected for 2016 program 28 was average ACT score Overall application score: Females – 72 Males – 71

GSP - What is it like? “Students in the program live in college dormitories with separate quarters for men and women. They learn a great deal about themselves and others as they live in the community and develop long-lasting friendships.” “Governor’s Scholars are drawn from across Kentucky and represent the diversity of the Commonwealth.” There are 95-97 counties represented on each campus. “The program provides students, faculty, and staff a rare opportunity to share the joy and discovery of learning and to exchange ideas in a warm community atmosphere. A select group of supportive high school and college teachers works closely with the Scholars in classes, seminars, and co-curricular activities. Well-known speakers and performers as well as films, field trips, special events, and a wide range of recreational opportunities offer an array of stimulating activities that provide fun and enjoyment while Scholars learn. Student-initiated events are encouraged.” There is no competition and no grades given in the Focus Area “classes” “If you are accepted, you must be prepared to get involved and to become a participating, contributing member of the Scholars’ community, academically and socially. Because there are such a variety of opportunities for personal and cultural growth in this program, you will have to make choices at times in order to do all that you want. The program offers you an opportunity to be responsible for your own learning.”

GSP – Focus Areas

GSP – Focus Areas Agribusiness/Biotechnology Architectural Design Astronomy Biological & Environmental Issues Business, Accounting, & Entrepreneurship Communication & Social Theory Creative Writing & Literary Studies Cultural Anthropology Dramatic Expression Engineering Film Studies Forensic Science Healthcare Industry Historical Analysis International Relations Journalism & Mass Media Modes of Mathematical Thinking Music Theory & Performance Philosophy Physical Science (Chemistry, Geology, & Physics) Political & Legal Issues Psychology & Behavioral Studies Spanish Language & Culture Visual Arts

GSP – Focus Areas Students are encouraged to take intellectual risks – to try something new! Healthcare Industry is a popular one, but only approx. 58 students are able to get into it Approximately 38 students will get into Engineering There are often more openings in Literary Studies, Drama, etc. Try to select diverse focus area options, not all from same general subject Choice of focus areas do not determine who gets in but can come into play when selecting alternates

GSP – General Studies group

GSP – Governor’s Scholars Seminar

GSP – How to Apply? Applications online at www.gsp.ky.gov Click on “Applicants” Click on “Applications & Forms” “Helpful Hints: Best Practices & Important Information Packet” is EXTREMELY HELPFUL! VLOGS (video blogs) detailing each section of the student application have been added to the website under the “Applicants” tab. Each VLOG contains information and tips on each section of the application. These are to supplement, not replace, the Helpful Hints Packet.

GSP Application Application consists of 5 sections: Academic Achievement – 30 points Student Profile – 30 points Writing Entry – 20 points Teacher Recommendation – 10 points Community Recommendation – 10 points 100 points possible – this past year the highest score was 86, which has been the highest ever.

GSP Application Academic Achievement: 30 points GPA: 0 – 15 points ACT, PSAT, SAT scores: 0 – 10 points Difficulty of Course Load: 0 – 5 points

GSP Application

GSP Application Student Profile section: 30 points Extracurricular Activities: 0-10 points Service (Voluntary or Paid): 0-10 points Honors/Awards: 0-10 points

GSP Application Student Profile section Students must include EVERYTHING they have done during their time in high school; the more descriptive they can be the better!

GSP Application – Student Profile section Can include the same activity for multiple sections. Example: Member of a team = extracurricular Fundraising for team = service Captain of team, elected, etc. = honor

GSP Application – Extracurricular Activities Time commitment is key – answer “who, what, where, when, why, and how” – be descriptive. This section can also include jobs. Examples and scoring rubric are found in Helpful Hints packet on website, pages 13 through 19 

GSP Application - Service Quantity is not the only factor – versatility, quality, quantity, and frequency are all important. “Paid service” can also be included, i.e. part-time jobs. The key is to be descriptive, and convey well. Examples and scoring rubric are found in Helpful Hints packet on website, pages 20 through 24 

GSP Application – Honors & Awards “Selected, elected, or chosen” – describe the importance of the award and be descriptive  Include how selective/competitive honor/award was. *Should be listed together, not separately, if received multiple times* Examples and scoring rubric are found in Helpful Hints packet on website, pages 25 through 28 

GSP Application – Writing Entry: 20 points Make sure to answer 2018 prompts  Place prompt number at top of writing entry page! *Found on pages 29 -31 of Helpful Hints packet

GSP Application – Writing Entry Writing prompts should lead the reader to learn who you are, what are you like – when reading essays, judges often ask themselves “is this the type of person who can benefit from a GSP experience”? Ideally, the personality of the individual will come through in the essay. Must be double spaced! Follow all directions! Remember who your audience is – GSP has roughly 2000 applicants, at least half of have moved, been on mission trips, torn an ACL, etc. Be unique, meaningful, and memorable! 

GSP Application – Teacher Recommendation form Forms have been updated – make sure that you use 2018 forms!

GSP Application – Teacher Recommendation form Should be from core content teachers – be intentional with selected teacher. Should be from a teacher who knows them, knows their work in the classroom - may not necessarily be favorite teacher Not a recommendation letter, there is a specific form to be completed Blank form, example of completed form, and scoring rubric can be found on pages 32 through 37 in Helpful Hints packet

GSP Application – Community Recommendation form Forms have been updated – make sure that you use 2018 forms!

GSP Application – Community Recommendation form Should be from someone who knows student as an individual, as a citizen, as a community member Should not be associated with school Students should provide community recommenders with some background information on GSP and with their involvement in the community Titles are not important - the recommender should be someone who knows the student well – someone who can write a good letter of character Ex: Legislators can write community letters of recommendation but they do not hold weight over the selection process

GSP Application Deadline for submitting completed application packet is Monday, November 27, 2017. Must be turned in to Miss Berk by 4:00pm. No exceptions.

Danielle Moore danielle.moore@ky.gov 502-573-1618 GSP – Questions? Danielle Moore danielle.moore@ky.gov 502-573-1618

Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts www.kentuckygsa.com 3 week summer program across 9 art forms. Residing on a college campus, students will discover the power of their art and their place as an artist. It is a thrilling, often life-changing experience, as new friends are made, creativity is explored, and new things are discovered about who students are and who they can be in the future. Students who are current sophomores and juniors who are passionate about art should apply 2018 Summer Program June 17 - July 7, 2018 Danville, KY Centre College

GSA – Art Forms Architecture + Design Creative Writing Dance Drama Instrumental Music Musical Theatre New Media Visual Art Vocal Music

GSA – Application Process Specific application requirements for each discipline Many include submission of portfolio or manuscript Auditions are required for music, dance and drama Specific instructions for each art form are available on website 

GSA – Application Process 2018 Application Launch & Artform Guidelines Posted Online October 4, 2017 Preliminary Round Application & Recommendations Deadline January 12, 2018 Must include 2 recommendation forms - one from administrator, one from teacher

GSA – Contact Information