Help is on the way for Kentucky college students interested in transferring their credits or associate degree to a four-year university. On Wednesday, March 6, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, the state’s colleges and universities will host “Transfer Madness,” the first entirely online, statewide transfer fair where students can chat online with transfer advisors, search for scholarships, download materials and get questions answered.

Students can register early for Transfer Madness at http://www.transfermadness.org.

Lt. Governor Jerry Abramson made the announcement this morning at a news conference at the Capitol. He was joined by Bob King, president of the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE), Dr. Jay Box, chancellor of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), as well as several transfer students, who spoke on the importance of transfer to their educational and career goals. Legislators and representatives from the 25 participating universities and KCTCS also attended.

“I applaud our education partners for helping promote awareness about the seamless transition from high school to community and technical colleges to our four-year institutions,” said Lt. Gov. Abramson.

“The best way to improve the quality of Kentucky’s workforce and give our companies strong employees is through a top-notch education system that aggressively promotes a college-going culture that has no barriers in credit transfers.”

Organizers hope the convenience of an online transfer fair will boost student participation since students can access the event from the comfort of their home and at a time that suits their family and work schedules.

“We are excited to bring together colleges and universities with our education partners to smooth the transfer process for students,” said King. “Transfer Madness supports the state’s Stronger by Degrees strategic plan as well as House Bill 160, both of which call for improving the quality of Kentucky’s workforce by increasing the number of Kentuckians who earn a bachelor’s degree. Starting at KCTCS is a great way to help achieve that goal,” added King.

“One of the key success factors in the transfer game is connecting with and developing a relationship with four-year institutions prior to attendance. That is why this Transfer Madness event is so important….and a real slam dunk for everyone involved,” said KCTCS’s Dr. Box.

High school students who plan to begin their educational journey at a community college should also plan to attend.

One of the student speakers was Rachel Trivette who got her start at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) and transferred to the University of Kentucky where she is now majoring in integrated strategic communications.

“I always knew I wanted to go to UK; I just took a different path. My path took me to BCTC where I had amazing professors and advisors, and my experience helped prepare me for success at the University of Kentucky,” said Trivette.

“I will be so proud to be a graduate of both of these schools that have helped make my dreams come true,” she added.

To register for the event and prizes, and to view the list of the participating colleges, universities and education partners, go to http://www.transfermadness.org.

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The Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet (EEC) has kicked off its third-annual “Capture the Earth” middle school digital photography contest for all Kentucky students in grades 6-8.

The “Capture the Earth” photo contest is open to all Kentucky middle school students. Judges will look for originality and creativity, photo composition, and a brief explanation of how well the photograph celebrates the beauty and diversity of Kentucky and encourages others to care about the state’s environment through stewardship and conservation.

EEC will accept entries until 4:30 p.m. on April 15, 2013. The winner will receive two nights lodging at any Kentucky State Resort Park with his or her family. Middle school students may e-mail one photograph as an attachment to Kidsphotocontest@ky.gov. Official contest rules are available at http://eec.ky.gov/Pages/earthday.aspx.

For more information, call Ricki Gardenhire at 502-564-5525 or e-mail Ricki.gardenhire@ky.gov.

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Some Kentucky schools and communities are experiencing a shortage of counselors that is projected to increase.  To help meet the need, scholarship assistance is being offered by the Kentucky Counseling Association.

Those interested in becoming school or mental health counselors, and who already possess an undergraduate degree, can get a jump start this summer with help with tuition and textbooks.  The association provides grants of $100 for textbooks.

Each of the participating universities, listed below, will provide one tuition waiver (preference will be granted to beginning master’s students who have earned less than 15 hours): Eastern Kentucky University, Lindsey Wilson College, Morehead State University, Murray State University,  Northern Kentucky University,  University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Xavier University.

Documentation of acceptance by the participating university and a letter of recommendation are required, along with a completed application.  The deadline for submitting materials is April 15.  Go to the Kentucky Counseling Association’s website at www.kyca.org for further information.

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Kentucky students headed to college in the fall have a free resource to help them through their first year on campus.

Surviving College, a guide to students’ first year, is now available free from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

The 36-page booklet includes the following sections:

• Majors and class schedules;

• Staying healthy and safe on campus;

• Learning styles and study tips;

• Campus life; and

• Financial basics.

To order a copy of Surviving College, email publications@kheaa.com or use the order form on www.kheaa.com.

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Kentucky adults considering returning to college have a free resource to help them make decisions about higher education.

Adults Returning to School is published by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA), the state agency that administers Kentucky student financial aid programs and provides college planning materials.

The book provides information about entrance exams, financial aid programs and Kentucky colleges and universities. It also includes information about adult education programs and General Educational Development (GED) testing centers, as well as other state programs that can help adult students.

Adults Returning to School is available at adult education centers. Free copies are available through KHEAA by emailing publications@kheaa.com or by using the order form on www.kheaa.com.

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Pendleton County FFA is very excited to celebrate National FFA Week, February 16 - 23. PCHS FFA is one of 7,498 FFA chapters in America. The 112 Pendleton County FFA members are a part of the world's largest youth organization. Currently there are over 557,000 FFA Members in the U.S.

The National FFA Organization is an integral part of agricultural education. It helps to make classroom instruction come to life through realistic, hands-on applications. FFA members embrace concepts taught in agricultural science classrooms nationwide, build valuable skills through hands-on experiential learning and each year demonstrate their proficiency in competitions based on real-world agricultural skills. The National FFA Mission Statement explains that FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Pictured are a.m. Preschool and grades K-2. Front row, from the left are Blake Colvin, Clinton McGlone, Logan Hayslette, Madison Soard, Devaya Starks, Jonathan Fletcher, Talon Trimble and Alaynah Beard. Middle row, Harley Ebert, Kade Pollard, Breanna Chowning, Nenetzy Castaneda, Ethan Beach, Myles Forrester, Reagan Anderson and Kyra Gibson. Back row, Colin Herald, Hayden Tomlin, Connor Bueter, Jonathan Cooper, Alyissa Meadows, Lily Henry, Lily Stephenson, Lilly Brinkdoepke, Morgan Neuspickel and Maddy Duff. Not pictured were Jared Adams, Regina Hotaling, Jordan Wallace and Olivia Kiskaden. Way to show your "Cardinal Pride!"

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Sharp Middle School FCCLA members competed at regional star events on Friday, February 8. Ten groups of students presented displays or portfolios based on projects they conducted during this school year.

When you work, your employer will give you a pay stub when you get paid, even if you use direct deposit. Understanding the information on the pay stub is vital to managing your money and budgeting, according to the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).

Each company’s pay stub is different, but all employers must include these items:

• Gross Pay: This is what you earned that pay period before any taxes or benefits, such as insurance, were withheld.