FRANKFORT, Ky. — Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that information to apply for his innovative Everybody Counts program will be available to Jefferson County Public Schools Class of 2022 seniors starting Feb. 1. The new program connects graduating JCPS seniors who do not currently have plans for after high school with one of three pathways: a job at one of four participating companies, postsecondary enrollment or both.
“Before they graduate, we want to do everything we can to ensure each one of these graduating seniors is on a path for success,” said Beshear. “At this unique moment in time, we have more jobs than people to fill them, and never has there been more opportunity to get higher education and training. Everybody Counts will give these students a chance to select the path they want to be on and will put them on the road to success.”
Beshear said bridging the gap between learning and workforce participation is crucial to Kentucky’s future. Beshear and JCPS announced the program in November at Pleasure Ridge Park High School along with local leaders, partner businesses and organizations.
“We appreciate the participating partner companies Ford Motor Co., GE Appliances, Kroger and UPS, as well as our nonprofit, higher education and labor partners Evolve502, the Louisville Urban League, Simmons College of Kentucky and UAW Local 862,” Beshear said. “They have worked hard helping us start this innovative program.”
“I believe these are tremendous options and opportunities for our students as they think about life after high school,” said Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS superintendent. “Everybody Counts is also going to benefit our city and state for years to come by matching talented JCPS graduates with the growing workforce needs of some of our largest employers.”
The materials include information on higher education options and funding, as well as concrete job opportunities with these great companies. The jobs will start soon after graduation and present educational opportunities.
Beshear said his goal is to use Everybody Counts as a launching pad to expand similar initiatives across Kentucky. His proposed budget includes $1.5 million each year to extend the program and $20 million each year to launch a competitive workforce initiative grant program.
Under that program, public and private schools would be able to secure funding for new or expanded programs that include a commitment from employers to hire students upon successful completion.
To learn more about Everybody Counts, visit governor.ky.gov/Everybody-Counts. A video introducing the program to JCPS students can be viewed here.