KCADD
Jan 20, 2026
KRADD announces regional scholarship funds to help area high school graduates and technical students cover college costs and pursue postsecondary education
The Kentucky River Area Development District (KRADD), which serves the eight-county area of Lee, Owsley, Breathitt, Wolfe, Knott, Letcher, Leslie and Perry, is now accepting applications for the Mayor Charles Long Scholarship, the Jack Burkich Technical School Scholarship and the Candy Fields Memorial Scholarship. Each fund reflects a strong commitment to expanding access to postsecondary education for students residing in the region.
Mayor Charles Long Scholarship
The Mayor Charles Long Scholarship provides up to $500 per semester for eight consecutive semesters, for a maximum award of $4,000 per recipient. The award supports undergraduate study at an accredited college or university and may be used for tuition, room and board, meal plans or textbooks, with funds paid directly to the student’s institution.
Eligible applicants must enroll full time, maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA, and have completed grades 7-12 and graduated from high school while residing in one of the eight KRADD counties. Recipients are required to submit semester fee statement and final grades, and the scholarship pays only the remaining balance after all other financial aid has been applied.
Jack Burkich Technical School Scholarship
The Jack Burkich Technical School Scholarship awards $1,000 per recipient, paid upon enrollment in an accredited technical school. Scholarship funds may be used for tuition, room and board, meal plans or textbooks and are paid directly to the technical school.
Applicants must enroll full time in a technical program, be high school graduates who completed grades 7–12, and be residents of Lee, Owsley, Breathitt, Wolfe, Knott, Letcher, Leslie, or Perry counties. As with the other KRADD-administered funds, this scholarship covers only the balance due after other scholarships or financial aid have been applied, and recipients must provide documentation of fees and enrollment.
Candy Fields Memorial Scholarship
The Candy Fields Memorial Scholarship provides a $1,000 award to each recipient, payable upon college enrollment at an accredited college or university. Funds may be used for tuition, room and board, meal plans or textbooks and are disbursed directly to the student’s institution.
Eligibility criteria include full-time enrollment, a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA while in college, residency in one of the eight KRADD counties and completion of grades 7-12 with high school graduation. Recipients must submit their financial fee statements, and the scholarship is structured to cover only the remaining balance after all other financial assistance has been applied.
Application process and contact
All three scholarships require a completed application form, two references, a personal essay using the attached form, and an official high school transcript. Applications are evaluated by the KRADD Scholarship Committee, which is authorized to verify transcripts, attendance, and references, and to publicize recipient names in connection with these awards.
For application materials, deadlines and additional information, students should contact the Kentucky River Area Development District office or visit KRADD’s information page at https://kradd.org/news/.