the future that we're looking for future for all Kentucky INS education is the answer. So as many of you all are aware, education is a core value value in my administration. From the beginning, we've been committed to providing greater access to educational opportunities for Kentucky's families to build on these efforts. I'm pleased to announce that we're launching a new campaign today to create awareness about work ready Kentucky scholarships. And that's a program designed to help adults get access to education and increase their employability. The work Ready Kentucky scholarships provides free or reduced tuition for Kentucky adults to take industry specific short term courses that prepare them to get to work in weeks. Or they can even choose to earn an associates degree. Multiple Kentucky colleges and universities out for more than 350 courses in high demand programs in healthcare manufacturing business I t construction, skilled trades, transportation and logistics. And as you know, we're fortunate in this state to be one team. Kentucky have a lot of really talented people out there that cares so much about the people around us, some of which have some incredible musical talent, and we're especially thankful toe. One of those whose talent is leading his voice and serving as a spokesperson for this campaign be still from the best selling hip hop group Nappy roots. Today is his birthday. Happy Birthday. Be still. So let's wish him a happy birthday. But let's also take a moment to hear his story and the importance of an educational journey and what it could mean. Toe all Kentucky ins. Yeah, she made a buffalo steel from the world famous nappy roots on I got a message for you. Never underestimate you. Never underestimate you. Never underestimate you. Never graduated high school 17 went straight to college. And I get a phone call or Atlantic Records is like we want to sign you guys. And so I told my mother I said, this is what I've always wanted to dio music wise. She made me promise her Thio, You know, if I went off and follow my dreams that I was gonna go back to school and get my degree at some point, and so yeah, so I went off and we all nappy roots was born still. Okay, I went back to school on and I got my degree. You do that for you. I did that for me. It's time to make a change, Learn another trade, earn a better way. Education paid. I made good on my promise to my mother. E graduated, actually. Last May 2019, I started getting into business and I started a company and not really having the full education. Um, you know, book book wise. You know, I just kind of needed to know that. E guess the formula of how to run a successful business. And so I went back to school for organizational leadership. Let's go right now with e o Educate your mind what advisors help God. So you don't feel left out? No, I was playing with waken Get you qualified intuitions loving issue Let's give it a try. So restrictions apply. I believe that education is the one thing that somebody nobody can take away from him. The work ready Kentucky Scholarship pays tuition for Kentucky and you wanna earn a degree and a high demand career field. This whole program is amazing because they offer a lot of different skill sets. So if you wanna get into health care, if you wanna get into manufacturing. And the best thing is is free. And you don't have to worry about accumulating a bunch of debt, you know? So I got you I got Trust me, I'm hooking you up. This is the hook up. Never underestimate you. Never. If I could do it, anybody could do it. Actually, you know, I'm rushing to get my assignments in before you know, it was show time, you know? So I'm like, side stage. Okay, let me finish this last little paragraph. Uh, you know, send it and then, uh, go on and do my show. So you all know the number. You know the website, call them, call them up, tell him be still sent you. I promise you that hook you up? Well, thank you to be still for not just those inspiring words and his story, but to take the time with with everything that he has going on because of his belief in this program about providing additional educational opportunities to adults and a better future because education doesn't just unlocked potential for the next generation. It's there right now for you, whether it's our free G E d program or this work ready program. The tools are there for all of us, all of us Thio to improve our lives. And, yes, there barriers out there and there are more barriers out there for some than the others. But please work with us. The potential that we have is a commonwealth goes right along with the potential of our people. And the more people who take advantage of this who just except a little bit of help, it can unlock so much potential for a brighter future. So here's how the scholarship works that covers the remaining cost of tuition and fees. After federal, state and campus grants and scholarships are applaud. It provides up to 60 hours of tuition for anyone who has not yet earned an associate degree or above. The scholarship awards cannot exceed the in state tuition and fee rate for enrollment at K. C. T. C. S and awards are offered on a first come, first served basis. Last. I want to thank the Kentucky Lottery for funding the scholarship and the many partners and campuses that have come together to help our families during this pandemic. Learn about this program by visiting work ready Kentucky dot com and chat with a counselor online by calling 833711 W. R. K s to speak with a counselor by phone. During this time, let's better ourselves. That's better. Our commonwealth. We we see now how much we miss so many different things on how we all want to improve ourselves. As we've struggled with our mental and physical health during all of this, this is a chance to be better coming out of it. On what better thing to do to keep your spirits up during all of this than to better your life and better your education, So please take advantage of this program.