Young Scholars Academy
KCSD wants you to be a full-time college student next year!
What is YSA?
Ready to be a full-time college student in high school? Come learn about the Young Scholars Academy!
The Young Scholars Academy is a highly selective partnership between the KCSD and Northern Kentucky University. A limited number of scholars are selected to take a full-time college course load on NKU’s campus for their final two years of high school at an extremely discounted rate! Scholars have the opportunity to earn 60 hours of college credit and/or an associate’s degree while working with a small cohort of motivated, like-minded scholars working toward degrees with a focus in STEM, integrated studies, supply chain, and computer science!
How are high school scholars supported in YSA?
What is required to apply?
- Scholars must have a 3.0 cumulative unweighted GPA
- Scholars must meet CERT benchmarks
- Scholars must be college ready in math via the KYOTE exam or the ACT
YSA Recruitment Events
YSA Virtual Parent Night
Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021, 07:00 PM
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YSA Application Opens!
Wednesday, Jan 13, 2021, 08:00 AM
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YSA visits your school!
YSA visits Simon Kenton High School - January 19 and 20
YSA visits Dixie Heights High School - January 21 and 25
YSA visits Scott High School - January 26 and 27
YSA Parent Camp at NKU
Due to social distancing, each scholar should only bring one parent. Sign ups are required. Scholars and parents only need to attend one total session (attendance is not required both weekends).
Saturday, Jan 23, 2021, 09:00 AM
Griffin Hall, Northern Kentucky University, Louie B Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY, USA
YSA Parent Camp at NKU
Due to social distancing, each scholar should only bring one parent. Sign ups are required. Scholars and parents only need to attend one total session (attendance is not required both weekends).
Saturday, Jan 30, 2021, 09:00 AM
Northern Kentucky University, Louie B Nunn Drive, Highland Heights, KY, USA
Parent Camp Agenda
- Topics for parents: course load, financial commitments, transferability, and program curriculum. Parents will meet with the program directors as well as KCSD's Director of Districtwide Programs.
- Scholars will take the required KYOTE math placement exam. Technology will be provided.
- Parents and scholars will have the opportunity to tour the campus in small, socially distanced groups and complete a Q&A with current YSA scholars.
Meet the YSA Family!
Dr. Amanda Dempsey, Early College Supervisor, Kenton County Schools
Call or Text: 859-363-6244
Email: amanda.dempsey@kenton.kyschools.us
Dr. Winona Landis, YSA Program Coordinator, Northern Kentucky University
Dr. Landis works directly with scholars once they are admitted to the program, and she is the primary contact for NKU faculty and staff about YSA. She has a Ph.D. in English, with a focus in Multicultural Literature (ask her about her dissertation on comic books!). She has taught at the college level for many years and is ready to be a resource for you as you begin your college coursework!