New statewide “I’m IN” PSA features Kentucky students and inspires futures

May 15, 2025

In celebration of 25 years of student success through the GEAR UP program, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) has launched the new “I’m IN!” public service announcement (PSA), featuring Kentucky high school seniors as they open their college acceptance letters and claim their future.

The PSA, which debuted on #GEARUPworks Day (May 1), has begun airing statewide thanks to a partnership with the Kentucky Broadcasters’ Association’s Public Education Partnership program. The spot features real-life snapshots of Kentucky high school seniors opening their college acceptance letters and represents the different post-high school pathways that GEAR UP supports, from technical programs to four-year universities.

Students featured in the PSA include:

• Arianny Lopez, Lafayette High School, Fayette County
• Carson Reed, Graves County High School, Graves County
• Cole Helmholtz, Letcher County High School, Letcher County
• Eleyna Wood, North Hardin High School, Hardin County
• India Hogans, Frankfort High School, Franklin County
• Jesse Mattox, Bourbon County High School, Bourbon County
• Makia Scarbrough, Tates Creek High School, Fayette County
• Connie Zeng, North Oldham High School, Oldham County
• Vega Martinez, Beechwood High School, Kenton County

Students from across the state submitted entries for the “I’m IN” video challenge for a chance to be featured in the statewide spot and for a random drawing to win a $1,000 scholarship from CPE. Makia Scarbrough, a senior at Tates Creek High School in Lexington, won the drawing.

“I believe that students sharing their acceptance letters helps inspire next year’s students,” says Scarbrough. “I wanted to share my acceptance letter because Centre College is my dream college and I wanted to other students to see that they can get into their dream schools, too, even if feels impossible.”

The campaign encourages viewers to visit Futuriti.org, a new digital resource launched by the Commonwealth Education Continuum earlier this year where Kentuckians of all ages can explore career pathways, college options, and financial aid opportunities.

“This PSA captures the joy, pride, and possibility that students feel when they realize college is within reach,” says Kim Welch, Executive Director of GEAR UP Kentucky. “We want every Kentucky student to know: we believe in you, we support you, and we’re all in.”

To watch the “I’m IN” PSA, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3MHtnUC4dc. To learn more about GEAR UP Kentucky, visit https://gearupky.org/about/gearupworks.