FRANKFORT, Ky. — More foster and adopted youth in Kentucky are using the state’s college tuition waiver created specifically for them, according to a new report.

The report shows the graduation rate among students using the waiver is now around 40%, up from about 8% a decade ago.

Lesa Dennis, commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, said the data show the Commonwealth is moving in the right direction.

“I believe we are seeing increased utilization because community and technical colleges are often providing a more accessible and flexible pathway for our young adults transitioning from foster care,” Denis stated.

Denis pointed out the campuses typically offer more flexible schedules, workforce-focused programming and smaller learning environments, adding it can lead to faster pathways to employment and financial independence for foster youth.

Despite the promising signs, the report showed Kentucky foster youth continue to struggle with school attendance, often because of severe childhood trauma and life disruptions such as homelessness. They are also less likely to graduate from high school.

Denis noted the state has made strides in informing youth about available supports and helping them plan early for college or for earning a credential.

“Career and technical education, apprenticeships, certifications, et cetera, they can be incredibly valuable pathways to stability and self-sufficiency,” Denis outlined.

Denis pointed to state programs such as Earn and Learn, which pays foster youth ages 18-21 an hourly wage to pursue a GED or vocational credential. The program also helps with postsecondary education costs not covered by financial aid.

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. – University of Pikeville recently recognized outstanding students from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine during its annual awards banquet, celebrating academic excellence, leadership and service among the Class of 2026.

The Dean’s Award was presented to Syed Zain-Ahmed Ali, D.O. This award recognizes the student whose leadership, humanity and loyalty to the profession exemplify the ideals, mission and goals of KYCOM.

The President’s Award was presented to Andrew Charles AbiRagi, D.O., for demonstrating clinical excellence and earning the highest average score on clinical rotations.

The Board of Trustees’ Award was presented to Matthew Nicholas Biernat, D.O., for academic excellence, recognizing the student with the highest grade point average during the first two years of medical school. Biernat also received the Ms. Swadesh Kashyap Memorial Award for achieving the highest score in the didactic pediatrics course.

The John A. Strosnider, D.O., Memorial Scholarship Award was awarded to Christina Joy Belcher, D.O., recognizing a graduate who exemplifies a commitment to family medicine and dedication to the osteopathic profession.

The Stephen M. Payson, M.S., Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Alex Charles Graham, D.O., a graduate from the Appalachian region who demonstrates commitment to KYCOM’s mission and the osteopathic profession.

The Boyd R. Buser, D.O., Excellence Award was presented to Alexander Luke Alley, D.O., for overall excellence in academics and service.

The Donna Jones Moritsugu Award was presented to Payton Black, recognizing the spouse of a graduating student who exemplifies support for their partner, family and profession.

The James E. Campbell, D.O., Award was presented to Alivia Grace Hansford, D.O., a deserving graduate from the Appalachian region of Kentucky.

The Mr. Dharam Pal Kashyap Memorial Award was presented to Summer Jordan Allahham, D.O., for excellence in pediatrics and pursuit of residency training at leading children’s health care programs.

Rimsha Jalees Afzal, D.O., was awarded the Christina Wika, D.O., Memorial Scholarship Award for excellence in pursuing a residency in oncology. She also received the Mrs. Swaran Kanta Sachdeva Memorial Award for Excellence of Women in Specialty Medicine and the Excellence in Research Award for outstanding achievement in research.

The Gregory V. Hazelett, D.O., Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Logan Blaise Tackett, D.O., in recognition of a graduate pursuing a career in otolaryngology/surgery.

The KYCOM Alumni Association Award was presented to Kimbrionna Roytasia Hunter, D.O., for strong involvement at KYCOM and within the community.

The Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award was presented to Gabriella Maria Constantini, D.O. This award is sponsored by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

The Kentucky Academy of Family Physicians Outstanding Senior Student Award is presented to an outstanding senior student entering family medicine and was awarded to Olivia Ruth Vick, D.O.

The Merck Manual Award for Academic Excellence was presented to Madisyn T. Bronger, D.O., Cassidy Ross, D.O., and Jakob Hunter Warren, D.O., in recognition of their scholastic achievement in medical education.

The Ram’s Head Award was presented to Christina Joy Belcher, D.O., Ian Mitchell Kania, D.O., Emily Childres Sydow, D.O., William Garrett Watson, D.O., Mackenzie Breann Yohey, D.O., and Rodolfo Gabriel Zevallos, D.O., in recognition of outstanding achievement in Osteopathic Principles and Practices.

UPike congratulates these students for their dedication, achievements and commitment to the osteopathic profession.

For more information about KYCOM, visit upike.edu/kycom.

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