About 350 of the Commonwealth's brightest high school seniors will converge on the Eastern Kentucky University campus each of the next three summers for the prestigious Governor's Scholars Program (GSP).

EKU joins Centre College and Northern Kentucky University as hosts for the five-week educational enrichment program. The selection of Eastern followed a "campus-wide effort" to submit a competitive proposal and two site visits by program officials.

"The faculty, staff and students at Eastern are honored to be affiliated with the Governor's Scholars program," said EKU President Bob Kustra. "Given the excellent academic reputation of Governor's Scholars, we are especially excited for our faculty who represent the finest teaching quality and who will now have the opportunity to join the best and brightest high school students in our summer classrooms."

The program will feature some of the Commonwealth's top college and university professors, including several from EKU, and high school teachers.

"This will be a very intensive residential experience to create a community of scholars," said Dr. Libby Wachtel, associate vice president for planning and assessment at EKU. "It truly is a team effort that requires a considerable commitment of direct and in-kind contributions from the University."

The cooperation also extends to the community. District Judge John Paul Moore has agreed to allow the Governor's Scholars Program use of his newly renovated courtroom in the Madison County Courthouse for two pre-scheduled days per session for the purpose of conducting mock trials.

"The Governor's Scholars Program is looking forward to returning to the first public university to host our endeavor, Eastern Kentucky University," said Shirleen Sisney, executive director of the Governor's Scholars Program. "Our common mission for the enhancement of Kentucky's future leaders and the creation of models of educational excellence makes this an ideal partnership for the further development of outstanding young Kentuckians."

The GSP has more than doubled in size since its establishment in 1983. The popular program provides academic and personal growth opportunities in a challenging, non-traditional experience that balances a full co-curricular and residential life experience.

Students must be nominated by their schools to be considered for admission. Scholars attend free of charge, needing only money for personal and incidental expenses. For more information about the program, call 502-573-1555 or visit www.kygsp.org.