Benny Dunning - Pay It Forward Scholarship

The Benny Dunning Pay It Forward Scholarship is awarding $1,000 to a Kentucky public high school senior. The scholarship is designed to help students in need who plan to attend college in the fall. The award must be applied toward student’s tuition expenses for attending a Kentucky college/university, technical school, or other institution of higher learning.

Application must be submitted by May 15 at 4 p.m.


Benny Dunning has made a lasting impression on KASA, ever since 2011 when he was assigned to aid our Executive Director Dr. Rhonda Caldwell during the Annual Leadership Institute that year. His excellent customer service has led him to not only receive the honorary Fred Award in 2017 but to help boost the Galt House to be its very best. Benny always has a smile on his face and a story to tell. KASA believes in him as much as he believes in us. He believes in the Pay It Forward Scholarship as it will bring an opportunity for students to further their education as much as a gift like this did for himself.

"WE SHOULD PAY IT FORWARD; WE SHOULD ALL PAY IT FORWARD EVERYONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE." - Benny Dunning



Who is eligible?
Students graduating from a Kentucky public school in Spring 2023

How will it be awarded?
Recipients will receive notification no later than June 15. KASA staff will process and mail check to student's college/university upon receipt of completed activation form, proof of graduation, and enrollment for fall 2023


Application Steps
    1. Download Scholarship Application here
    2. Submit a personal letter explaining your financial needs, and your reasons for wanting to further your education. We ask that the letter be prepared by the applicant
      • Must be typed
      • Must be prepared by the applicant
    3. Submit a short video explaining what Pay It Forward means to you, and why you want to use higher education to better yourself
      • Video must be no longer than 3 minutes
      • Video name format: PIFScholarship_FirstnameLastName_District
      • Submit video as a YouTube/Vimeo link
    4. Submit 2 letters of recommendation from personnel at your current high school
      •  Must be typed, excluding signatures
    5. Submit a transcript which includes grade point average, class size, and test scores (ACT or SAT)
    6. Submit Application form by MAY 15 at 4 p.m. to KASA via fax (502) 875-4634, mail 87 C. Michael Davenport Blvd., Frankfort, KY 40601 or email Amy Moore (amy@kasa.org)

If you have any questions, please call KASA at (800) 928-5272 or send email to Taylor McCane (taylor@kasa.org) or Amy Moore (amy@kasa.org)