Stop Complaining. Start Leading: Kentucky Students Asked to Shape State Education Policy

The Kentucky Department of Education is inviting high school students to help shape policies impacting more than 650,000 learners statewide.

Somerset, Kentucky (KY)—An exclusive opportunity puts students in the room where it happens—advising state education leaders on decisions that affect 650,000+ Kentucky learners

What if the adults making decisions about your education actually asked you what you thought first?

That’s exactly what’s happening at the Kentucky Department of Education, and they’re looking for bold, thoughtful high school students to make it happen. The KDE Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council isn’t your typical student government experience. This is the real deal—a seat at the table with state education leaders who are genuinely listening. And right now, they’re accepting applications from current freshmen, sophomores, and juniors for the 2026-2027 council.

More Than a Resume Builder

Picture this: You’re sitting across from the state Commissioner of Education in Frankfort, discussing how a proposed policy change would actually play out in your classroom. Your perspective—shaped by late-night homework sessions, standardized test stress, and dreams for your future—suddenly becomes part of the conversation that shapes Kentucky education.
That’s been the reality for current council members, whose insights have proven invaluable as KDE works to reimagine the student experience across the Commonwealth.
“Student voice has been critical in our efforts to improve the overall experience for learners,” KDE officials note. Translation: They’re not just listening to be nice. They’re making decisions based on what students tell them.

What You’re Signing Up For

The commitment is real but manageable. Council members serve one-year terms from August through May, meeting every two months. Most meetings are virtual, but twice a year you’ll travel to Frankfort for in-person sessions—a chance to see state government in action and connect face-to-face with fellow council members from across Kentucky.
The council represents Kentucky’s diversity in every sense: all seven Supreme Court districts, various school sizes, urban and rural communities, career and technical education students, and representatives from the Kentucky School for the Blind and Kentucky School for the Deaf.

Who They’re Looking For

KDE isn’t hunting for perfect GPAs or student body presidents (though you’re welcome to apply). They’re after something more valuable: fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and authentic voices that represent Kentucky’s incredibly diverse student population.
Do you see problems in your school that nobody’s addressing? Have ideas about how education could work better? Represent a community or experience that often goes unheard? That’s exactly what they want.

The Perks Beyond the Resume

Yes, this looks impressive on college applications. But council alumni talk about something bigger: the confidence that comes from knowing state leaders value your opinion, the connections made with students from completely different Kentucky communities, and the skills developed from articulating complex ideas to decision-makers.
Plus, you might actually improve education for hundreds of thousands of Kentucky students. That’s a legacy that outlasts any trophy.

How to Apply

The application deadline is 11:59 p.m. CT on Monday, April 6. The process includes a written application followed by interviews for top candidates. KDE has created a detailed application guide to walk you through the required materials, but here’s the key: they want to understand your ideas and goals. This isn’t about writing what you think they want to hear—it’s about communicating what you genuinely believe about education in Kentucky. A committee will score applications based on your responses, then invite top applicants for interviews. The selection ultimately comes down to how effectively you communicate your vision. Students can serve consecutive terms as long as they remain eligible (you must be a sophomore, junior, or senior during your service year), so if you’re passionate about this work, you could be involved for multiple years.

Fair Warning

This isn’t a participation-trophy situation. Members must attend meetings—virtual and in-person. Two unexcused absences and you’re off the council. KDE is serious about this work, which means they need serious commitment from members.

Why This Matters Now

Education is at a crossroads everywhere, including Kentucky. The decisions being made now about curriculum, testing, mental health support, career preparation, and school culture will shape students' experiences for years to come. Those decisions can be made in boardrooms and offices by adults trying their best to remember what it was like to be a student—or they can be informed by actual students living that reality right now.

The Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council is Kentucky’s best, and the second option works better. The question is: Do you want to be part of making it happen?

To apply, visit the KDE website and complete the 2026-2027 Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council Application.

Applications for the 2025-2026 Commissioner's Student Advisory Council opened March 10, 2025, and will close at 11:59 p.m. CT on April 7, 2025. Interested students should complete the 2025-2026 KDE Commissioner's Student Advisory Council Application. Refer to the application guide for required materials and additional details.​​

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Download the application guide for complete details and requirements. Applications are due April 6 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Application Download Here: 2025-2026 KDE Commissioner's Student Advisory Council Application 

This is your invitation to stop complaining about education policy and start shaping it. Kentucky is listening—if you’re ready to speak up.