The Office of the Governor of the State of Kentucky

05/20/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/20/2022 11:04

Gov. Beshear Invites Graduating JCPS Seniors to ‘Everybody Counts’ Signing Day

JCPS graduates can leave event with career offer from one of four major employers and/or scholarship offers

FRANKFORT, Ky.(May 20, 2022) - Gov. Andy Beshear and Jefferson County Public Schools Superintendent Marty Pollio will kick-off the inaugural Everybody Counts Signing Day on May 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. EDT, for graduating JCPS seniors and their families.

The event will take place in Louisville at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center, 3029 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd. Any graduating JCPS senior interested in onsite job offers from Ford, GE Appliances, Kroger and UPS and/or a scholarship for postsecondary education should attend and bring two forms of identification.

In addition, Everybody Counts Signing Day will recognize and celebrate JCPS graduates who already have committed to one of the four employers and/or postsecondary opportunities, and include giveaways, refreshments and music. Additional information about the companies and job applications that graduates are encouraged to fill out can be found in the Everybody Counts Student Guide.

"If you are a graduating senior from JCPS and you do not know what your next step will be after you get that diploma, you are not alone. I urge you to come to the Everybody Counts Signing Day and discover these promising career and postsecondary education and training options," said Gov. Beshear. "This is the first time in Kentucky that a graduating senior can secure one of three pathways - a job at a major employer, postsecondary enrollment or both - at this kind of signing event."

In addition to Ford Motor Co., GE Appliances, Kroger and UPS, nonprofit, higher education and labor partners supporting Everybody Counts will attend the signing. Evolve502 and Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) will provide scholarship and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) assistance. The Louisville Urban League and Simmons College of Kentucky, as well as other local colleges and universities, will be there to connect with students.

"Everybody Counts is already proving to be a valuable resource for JCPS graduates looking to continue their education and work for one of Louisville's top employers," said Dr. Pollio. "The partnerships that have been built will allow JCPS grads to pursue their dreams, help support their families and produce a better-educated workforce for our entire community."

Gov. Beshear said Everybody Counts will serve as a launching pad to expand similar initiatives across the state.

"We're excited to continue partnering on the Everybody Counts program," said Louisville division president for Kroger Ann Reed. "It's an exciting time to work in grocery retail, and Kroger is committed to offering our team a culture of opportunity and a career with purpose, competitive pay and benefits, and flexible schedules. No matter where your journey begins, we have fresh opportunities for everyone."

"Everybody Counts has allowed us to highlight our work-to-college programs, improve opportunities for entry-level manufacturing positions and find ways to better connect these young people with the futures they deserve," said Kevin Nolan, president and CEO of GE Appliances, a Haier Company.

UPS employee Bayleigh Vorbrink has taken advantage of the earn-and-learn model and recommends it.

"Not only has UPS given me the opportunity to graduate from college debt-free, they have also provided me with many career pathways to choose from," Vorbrink said. "I am using my degree to move up in the company and reach my dream career. I will forever be thankful for what UPS has done for me."

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