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![Aaron Thompson with Rob Anderson](/https/cpe.ky.gov/_resources/images/IMG_1218-rss.png)
CPE President Aaron Thompson receives national higher education leadership award
July 17, 2024
Dr. Aaron Thompson was awarded the 2024 Exceptional Leader Award from the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) in Washington, D.C.
![Medical student](/https/cpe.ky.gov/_resources/images/shutterstock_384358510-rss.png)
CPE issues request for proposals from healthcare training partnerships for scholarship programs
July 2, 2024
CPE has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for healthcare training partnerships to compete for matching funds to support scholarships for students pursuing credentials in high-demand healthcare fields
![KYSSC logo](/https/cpe.ky.gov/_resources/images/kyssc-logo-rss.png)
Leaders from across the Commonwealth make up the inaugural Leadership exChange cohort
July 1, 2024
CPE and its affiliate, the Kentucky Student Success Collaborative (KYSSC), are hosting the inaugural Leadership exChange cohort beginning in September.
![Graduates](/https/cpe.ky.gov/_resources/images/shutterstock_2137554885-rss.png)
New CPE report shows public colleges and universities making gains in enrollment and retention
June 27, 2024
Kentucky’s public colleges and universities made significant gains in undergraduate enrollment and retention, according to the Council’s latest progress report.
Featured Events
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Upcoming Meetings
- Sept. 15
- Sept. 16
Legislative News
Changes to administrative regulations re: Kentucky Aerospace, Aviation, and Defense Investment Fund
Kentucky By the Numbers
- 8Public Universities
- 58%Six-Year Graduation Rate
- 30K+Degrees Awarded in AY23
- 16Community and Technical Colleges
- 40%Three-Year Graduation Rate
- 40KCredentials Awarded in AY23
Kentucky's Progress to the 60x30 Goal
Educational Attainment of Kentucky Adults (2022)
![Graph of Kentucky's educational attainment, by level](/https/cpe.ky.gov/_resources/images/template-images/attainment2021.png)
Increases in the Number of Kentucky Credential Holders
![Change in attainment](/https/cpe.ky.gov/_resources/images/template-images/attainmentchange.png)
Our President
![Aaron Thompson](/https/cpe.ky.gov/_resources/images/template-images/athompson-homepg.jpg)
"I believe that higher education unlocks the human potential, that college gives us the time and opportunity to explore our interests, to train for a career that challenges and inspires us. And it gives us a greater sense of meaning and purpose in life."
As a first-generation college student from rural Clay County, Kentucky, President Aaron Thompson experienced first-hand the transformative power of a college credential. Learn more about President Thompson >>
Kentucky's Strategic Agenda for Postsecondary Education
The strategic agenda serves as a blueprint to meet Kentucky’s educational attainment goal—to raise the percentage of Kentuckians with a postsecondary degree or certificate to 60% by the year 2030. It identifies five strategic priorities with an additional one as a cross-cutting priority (equity) for higher education that will guide innovation and improvement through 2030. Learn more about the strategic agenda >>
- Transitions
- Affordability
- Success
- Talent
- Equity
- Value
![Higher Education Matters](/https/cpe.ky.gov/_resources/images/template-images/HEMlogo-cpefooter.png)
Making Higher Education Matter to Kentucky
Higher Education Matters, a statewide public awareness campaign in collaboration with Kentucky’s colleges and universities, is about promoting college going and elevating the importance of higher education to Kentucky’s residents and economy. Check out the website at KYHigherEDMatters.org for student resources, links to campuses, and marketing resources for our ambassadors.
Why Higher Ed Matters
Earnings: College graduates earn more and are less likely to be unemployed and rely on public assistance.
Health: College graduates are more likely to have access to better healthcare, exercise and enjoy better health.
Civic Responsibility: College graduates are more likely to vote, donate to charity and be civically engaged.
Literacy: College graduates are more likely to read to their children and be more supportive of their education overall.
Employment: College graduates are more likely to find jobs and stay employed, even in a down economy.
Economy: The state gains more from college graduates through higher earnings and less dependence on public assistance.