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Nationwide, more than 2.8 million children received a lunch through the Summer Nutrition Programs on an average day in July 2023, a decrease of 170,926 children from July 2022, according to the Food Research and Action Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: More Kentucky kids participating in summer meal programs

The number of Kentucky kids who ate free breakfast and lunch through Summer Nutrition Programs jumped by 65% between the summers of 2022 and 2023…

The average household income of families already sending their children to private schools in Kentucky, who are the likely primary beneficiaries of universal voucher legislation, is 54% higher than public school families, according to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)

KY ballot measure would divert public money to private schools

Kentuckians casting a vote on Amendment 2 this November will decide whether to change the state Constitution to allow public funding of private school…

Chronic absence from school may be driving learning loss. Thirty percent of all students (14.7 million students) were chronically absent in 2021-2022, nearly double pre-pandemic rates, according to new data from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Kentucky faces education crisis

New data shows most Kentucky kids are not academically prepared for a successful future. The latest Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey …

More than half of parents feel social media is affecting their children's development, from body image to self-perception, according to a recent CVS Health survey. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: 70% of parents report concern over child’s mental health

Across the nation, 70% of parents say they're now more concerned about their child's mental health than physical health, according to a new survey by …

The ballot amendment would add language to the Kentucky Constitution saying,

KY education activists campaign against public funds for private schools

A coalition of public education advocates has formed to oppose Amendment 2 on the November ballot, which would allow Kentucky public school funds to …

M�s de la mitad de los padres sienten que las redes sociales est�n impactando el desarrollo de sus hijos, desde la imagen corporal hasta la autopercepci�n, seg�n una encuesta reciente de CVS Health. (Adobe Stock)

Encuesta: 70% de los padres preocupados por la salud mental de sus hijos

En todo el país, el 70% de los padres dicen que ahora están más preocupados por la salud mental de sus hijos que por la salud fí…

Downtown Hazard, Kentucky, is shown with one of several colorful murals added in recent years. (Austin Anthony for The Hechinger Report)<br />

As some rural states cut higher education, Kentucky does the opposite

By Kelly Field for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public New…

Kentucky parents are worried about their kids' educational and social development as well as the safety of their children if they are forced into using lower-cost, lower-quality care, according to a March 2024 survey from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)

As KY child care crisis worsens, advocates highlight career pathways

The shrinking supply of child-care workers continues to impact Kentucky, and advocates say helping more people receive a Child Development Associate …

A Kentucky bill to ban Broad Based Categorical Eligibility for the federal SNAP program would result in at least 21,400 children losing SNAP statewide and would threaten funding for meals at schools and child care centers, according to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY School districts say SNAP Cuts legislation could worsen student hunger

Kentucky school districts say a proposed bill to tighten restrictions on SNAP participation will lead to an uptick in student hunger. House Bill 367 …

According to the Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 15% of Kentucky high school students reported having seriously considered suicide within a 12-month period. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY bill would strengthen trauma-informed resources in schools

Suicide rates among young Kentuckians are rising and proposed legislation would strengthen trauma-informed care in schools and boost youth suicide pre…

The overall college enrollment rate for 18- to 24-year-olds decreased from 41% in 2010 to 38% in 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. (Adobe Stock)

KY wants colleges to redesign admissions with focus on low-income, first-generation students

Kentucky is one of a handful of states that's been awarded a $150,000 grant from Lumina Foundation to test changes to the college admissions process…

La tasa general de inscripci�n universitaria para j�venes de 18 a 24 a�os disminuy� del 41% en 2010 al 38% en 2021, seg�n el Centro Nacional de Estad�sticas Educativas. (Adobe Stock)

KY quiere que las universidades rediseñen sus procesos de admisión

Kentucky es uno de los pocos estados que ha recibido una subvención de $150 mil de la Fundación Lumina para probar cambios en el proceso de …

The Blueprint for Kentucky's Children is a coalition of groups focused on health, child welfare, juvenile justice, education, family supports and other issues that affect the Commonwealth's youngest residents. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY youth speak to lawmakers on mental health, drug epidemic, more

Protecting, supporting and listening to Kentucky's kids is the focus of Children's Advocacy Week. As events at the Capitol in Frankfort wrap up…

The National Rural Education Foundation flagged Kentucky's educational outcomes as

Appalachian teachers say 'intense' challenges ahead for education in region

Educators in Appalachian Kentucky said significant school disruption and remote learning during the COVID pandemic combined with the devastating flood…

Panelists discuss the 33rd edition of Kentucky Youth Advocates County Data Book, which looks at how Kentucky kids are faring in terms of economic security, education, health, family and community. (Adobe Stock)

Report: KY faces workforce crisis in sectors that support children

New county-level data show Kentucky is facing a severe shortage of workers in sectors supporting children, including teachers, counselors, child care …

Between now and 2030, a net 78% of new workers in the country - people entering the labor market minus the people retiring from the labor market - will be Latino, according to a forecast from the U.S. Department of Labor. (Adobe Stock)

As Latino Workforce Grows, 'Urgent Need’ to Improve Access to Digital Economy

By Ramona Schindelheim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan for Kentucky News Connection reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News …

Ninety three percent of U.S. kindergartners were vaccinated against measles in 2021, according to a CDC study. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Catch Up on Kids’ Immunizations During Back-to-School Season

Health experts are urging parents to check on the status of their child's vaccinations, amid pertussis and COVID-19 outbreaks among children that …

El 93% de los ni�os de guarder�a de EE.UU. fueron vacunados contra el sarampi�n en 2021, seg�n un estudio de CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Expertos: Póngase al día con las vacunas de los niños para el regreso a clases

Expertos en salud llaman a los padres a comprobar el estado de las vacunas de sus hijos, en medio de brotes de tos ferina y COVID-19, que han …

Child care prices for a single child ranged from $4,810 for school-age home-based care in small counties, to $15,417 for infant center-based care in very large counties, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY Child Care Providers Face Uncertain Future as Federal Funding Runs Out

New federal data show child care expenses are out of reach for most families, and in Kentucky, providers are struggling to keep their doors open…

In a 6-3 decision, U.S. Supreme Court justices said the Biden administration does not have the authority to forgive student loans. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Student Loan Decision Will Impact Hundreds of Thousands of Kentuckians

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to block President Biden's one-time, $400 billion student debt relief plan will affect hundreds of thousands of …

In 2021, some 53% of working adults ages 25 to 54 were parents, and more than a third of those parents had young children, according to a new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (Adobe stock)

New Data Shows Well-Being of Kentucky Kids Worsens

The latest Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book shows Kentucky, along with other Appalachian and Southeastern states, ranks in the bottom …

A 2019 Legislative Research Commission report cited the average annual teacher turnover in Kentucky as just over 17% between 2010 and 2019. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY House Education Committee Approves Bill to Address Teacher Shortage

Lawmakers in the Kentucky House Education Committee have greenlighted a bill aimed at addressing the state's widespread teacher shortage. It is …

Nearly four-in-ten Americans ages 25 and older have a bachelor's degree, a share that has grown over the last decade, according to the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky Works to Close Equity Gaps in College Completion

Kentucky colleges and technical schools are taking steps to close the equity gap in degree and certificate completion rates. University of …

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear unveiled his 2023 legislative proposals in the State of the Commonwealth Address on Wednesday. (Office of Gov. Andy Beshear/YouTube)

KY Governor Touts Teacher Pay, Remains Silent on Tax Cuts in State-of-State

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced a 5% pay raise for teachers in his State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night. His Education First Plan …

Around one in five Kentucky children have experienced at least one type of ACE, according to data from the National Survey of Children's Health. (Adobe Stock)

Rural KY Schools Tackle Childhood Trauma

Russell County teachers, staff, counselors, and bus drivers have received intensive training on the effects of childhood trauma on kids' mental and …

Alrededor de uno de cada cinco ni�os de Kentucky ha sufrido al menos un tipo de ACE, seg�n datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Infantil. (Adobe Stock)

Escuelas rurales de KY abordan traumas infantiles

Maestros, consejeros, conductores de autobús y personal escolar del condado de Russell han recibido una formación intensiva sobre los …

More Kentucky kids are considering their safety at school. According to the latest Kentucky Kids Count County Data Book, published by Kentucky Youth Advocates, more than 90% of the state's high school students think adults at their school work hard to make sure students are safe. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Mental Health, Gun Prevalence Top Concerns for Kentucky Kids

Across the state, kids say they want more resources for mental health - according to the recently released 2022 Kentucky Kids Count County data book…

The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky named Denise Hall recipient of its 2022 Gil Friedell Award for her career spent serving youths in Trimble County through substance-use prevention efforts. (Adobe Stock)

KY School District Takes Lead on Mental Health, Drug-Use Prevention

In Trimble County, school staff are expanding services for students and families aimed at curbing vaping, marijuana and opioid use, and increasing …

La Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky (Fundaci�n para un Kentucky Saludable) nombr� a Denise Hall ganadora del Premio Gil Friedell 2022 por su carrera dedicada al servicio de j�venes en el condado de Trimble para prevenir el uso de sustancias. (Adobe Stock)

KY Distrito escolar adelanta en salud mental y prevención de consumo de drogas

En el condado de Trimble, el personal escolar está ampliando los servicios para estudiantes y familias con el objetivo de frenar el uso de …

According to the Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey, one in seven Kentucky high school students reported having seriously considered suicide within a 12-month period. (Adobe Stock)

Some KY Schools Offering Mental-Health Services Amid Youth Crisis

A pilot program launched by the Todd County School District and the county's local health department offers free mental-health case-management service…

De acuerdo con la Encuesta sobre el comportamiento de riesgo de j�venes en Kentucky, uno de cada siete estudiantes de secundaria inform� haber considerado seriamente el suicidio en un per�odo de 12 meses. (Adobe Stock)

KY Algunas escuelas ofrecen servicios de salud mental en medio de crisis juvenil

Un programa piloto lanzado por el Distrito Escolar del Condado de Todd y el departamento de salud local, ofrece servicios gratuitos de administraci…

Research shows economic insecurity, unreliable transportation and other challenges outside the classroom pose major barriers for two-year college students. (Adobe Stock)

KY College Boards Focus on Role of Equity in Student Success

Colleges and universities in Kentucky are looking at new ways to address the equity gap among their students, through specialized training for their …

Dr. Jamestta Ferguson, founder of Molo Community Development Corp., says grassroots organizations are working to address decades of disinvestment in Louisville's historically Black neighborhoods. (AARP KY)

Neighborhood Org Pushes for Economic Development in West Louisville

A pastor and community leader in Louisville is working to boost economic development and raise the quality of life on Louisville's West end. …

Save the Children staff at an elementary school in Perry County, preparing to distribute bottled water and supplies to residents. (Save the Children)

As Flood Recovery Continues, KY Kids Face Uncertain Start of School Year

Despite numerous challenges, eastern Kentucky schools and advocacy groups are working to make the upcoming school year as normal as possible and get …

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 194,000 yearly job openings for registered nurses between 2020 and 2030, with employment projected to grow by 9%. (Adobe Stock)

Grants to KY Colleges Aimed at Boosting Health-Care Workforce

A shortage of nurses and medical technicians has left communities across the Commonwealth struggling to meet health care demands. In response…

Americans owe nearly $1.75 trillion in student-loan debt, according to the U.S. Federal Reserve. (Adobe Stock)

Kentuckians Under “Crippling” Financial Stress from Student Loan Debt

Kentuckians collectively owe more than $20 million in student loan debt, and a new informal survey sheds light on how hefty student-loan payments …

Research shows that high-quality after-school programs improve educational outcomes, school attendance, and social and emotional learning. (Adobe Stock)

Demand for After-School, Summer Learning Programs Soars Across KY

A new survey finds 8 in 10 Kentucky parents say afterschool programs could help their child combat social and mental-health struggles by reducing unpr…

Latino and multiracial students are more likely to plan to cancel or postpone their studies than students overall, according to a report by the Latino Politics and Policy Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

KY Colleges See Enrollment Dip

Despite a college enrollment drop triggered by the pandemic, Kentucky's colleges are continuing to close gaps in graduation and retention rates…

Los estudiantes latinos y multirraciales tienen m�s probabilidades de planear, cancelar o posponer sus estudios que los estudiantes en general, seg�n un informe de Latino Politics and Policy Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

Universidades de KY ven una caída en la inscripción

Luego de la caída en la inscripción universitaria provocada por la pandemia, las universidades de Kentucky continúan cerrando brechas …

According to data from the Food Research and Action Center, more than 14 million kids received breakfast during the 2020-2021 school year. (Adobe Stock)

Statewide Push to Update Laws, Remove “Barriers to Breakfast” for KY Kids

Senate lawmakers are considering updating existing legislation to allow kids to eat breakfast at school 15 minutes after the bell. During National …

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame Museum in Owensboro, Ky., was the recipient of an AARP Community Challenge grant in 2021. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY Cultural Sites See Uptick in Local Interest, Visitation

Amid the pandemic, Kentuckians have shown more interest in local attractions as they stick closer to home, and museums and cultural centers say …

Black women in the Commonwealth are three to four times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related complication than are non-Hispanic White women, according to the Kentucky Department for Public Health. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Lack of Coverage, Child Care, School Funding Affect Health Outcomes

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- In a few weeks, Kentucky lawmakers will convene the General Assembly, and health advocates are calling for new policies to address …

The number of children in foster care in Kentucky increased to more than 53,000 between 2018-2020, according to the 2021 Kids Count County Data Book released by Kentucky Youth Advocates. (Adobe Stock)

Report: How Racial Disparities Impact KY Kids’ Well-Being

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A new analysis of county-level data sheds light on how systemic racial disparities are affecting the wellbeing of kids in the …

Save the Children worker Alissa Taylor packs school supplies for needy families in rural Kentucky. (Shawn Millsaps/Save The Children)

Study: Children Returning to School 4-5 Months Behind

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A new study from the consulting firm McKinsey finds that American kids are returning to school on average 4 to 5 months behind in …

It's estimated that more than 241,000 DACA-eligible students are enrolled in college, according to the Migration Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)

After DACA Court Ruling, Advocates Call on Congress for Immigration Overhaul

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- In a recent ruling, a federal judge in Texas blocked new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program…

Nationwide, more kids tell researchers they are struggling with loneliness and isolation one year into the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report Highlights Deepening Crises for Many KY Kids

PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- Kentucky families are facing greater levels of food insecurity and economic instability one year into the coronavirus pandemic…

Local workforce development boards, like KentuckianaWorks in Louisville, run career centers that focus helping unemployed residents and young people start on new career paths. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Louisville Leads in Preparing Adults, Students for 21st-Century Workforce

By Laura Aka Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan Reporting for the WorkingNation.com-Kenctucky News Connection LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Mayor Greg …

Nationwide, more than 21% of students in high school and nearly 5% in middle school report using e-cigarettes and vapes. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: Pandemic Increases Vaping, Tobacco Use for KY Students

FRANKFORT, Ky. - More than a third of Kentucky middle and high schoolers say the pandemic has increased their use of e-cigarettes or vapes and other …

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KY: Education