For Immediate Release
July 15, 1998
Contact: Melissa Forsythe
              Mark Pfeiffer
             (502)564-2611

Governor Patton announces Education Pays program

A graduate with diploma raised in victory over a backdrop of a map of Kentucky. That's the trademark symbol you'll be seeing on every available surface, from state government letterhead to private industry mailings as Kentucky delivers the message that Education Pays. Governor Paul Patton announced the project at news conferences in Louisville and Lexington today.

"Kentucky is earning a national reputation for excellence in education. We have a good product, and it's getting better. Education Pays is an effort to make sure that everyone, no matter what age, becomes aware of the value of an education and the opportunities available in Kentucky," Governor Patton said. "Education is the key to improving the quality of life in Kentucky and raising our standard of living."

The Education Pays logo will be placed on eye-catching highway signs on Kentucky interstates and secondary roads at ports of entry around the entire commonwealth, from Boyd to McCracken Counties. The first signs went up on Interstates 64 and 65 in Jefferson County. Dozens more will be placed throughout the state by the end of July. The education signs will greet travelers instead of the traditional "Welcome to Kentucky" signs of the past. Governor Patton promised to devote all possible resources to drive home the message, but said the special emphasis will occur during August, as people begin a new school year.

Additionally, the Education Pays logo will be printed on Kentucky state government letterhead, maps, and other appropriate places. Kentucky business and civic groups are enthusiastically joining the project. The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, and Columbia Gas are among those planning to incorporate the Education Pays logo in newsletters, bills sent to customers, and in other ways. The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence and the Partnership for Kentucky Schools, the Kentucky Press Association, Kentucky Broadcasters Association and Kentucky Cable Television Association have endorsed the campaign, which will include broadcast and print public service announcements.

"KERA, the Postsecondary Education Improvement Act, full funding of needs-based scholarships, the new merit scholarship program for high school students, increased funding for adult education, and our newly created Office of Early Childhood Development are all tools that can help us provide the best possible education to both traditional and non-traditional students in Kentucky," Governor Patton said. "But unless people understand that an education is the way to get a good job and provide for a good quality of life, they won't take advantage of these opportunities. We have to elevate the awareness of the value of learning in Kentucky and motivate people to get an education."

Governor Patton noted that Kentucky is becoming known for its leadership in education and he will spend the next year as Chairman of the Education Commission of the States, focusing attention nationally on postsecondary education and changes that must be made to meet the needs of students in the 21st century.

"Virtually every person wants a better life for their children, and we must convince the undereducated parents of the Commonwealth that a better life for their children lies with education. If it is important to the parents, it will be important to the children," Governor Patton said. "With constant exposure to a consistent message, we can convince people that Education Pays."