WKU President, State Treasurer
Welcome First KAPT Class

September 22 2004

Bowling Green, Ky. - President Gary Ransdell and State Treasurer Jonathan Miller today welcomed members of the first class at Western Kentucky University to pay for their education with KAPT, Kentucky's Affordable Prepaid Tuition program.

Dr. Ransdell and Miller were joined by students Jenni Lehman of Russellville, Stephanie Freyer of Louisville and Kevin Hitchel of Houston for a news conference at the Martin Regents Room in Mass Media and Technology Hall.

"Today marks and important and exciting landmark for the KAPT program," Miller said."These students are real proof that higher education can be affordable for every Kentucky child through programs such as KAPT."

All three students agreed that the KAPT program has made paying for college easier and has reduced stress on their families.

"I really don't have to worry about the money for college," Lehman said.

While the KAPT program was begun in 2001 under Miller's leadership, this fall will mark the first opportunity that college students have used KAPT funds to pay for their higher education. The program requires that a student be enrolled in KAPT at least two years before matriculating at college. Approximately 150 Kentucky college students are expected to use an estimated $867,000 in KAPT benefits during the 2004-2005 academic year.

"The KAPT program has filled an important void in Kentucky in terms of college affordability and access," Dr. Ransdell said. "It provides a necessary planning variable for students and parents. Treasurer Miller's effort to promote this program is appreciated, and I commend him for it."

KAPT makes it easier for Kentucky families to afford a college education for their children or grandchildren by guaranteeing the cost of tomorrow's tuition at lower prices today. KAPT was launched in September 2001 after being created by a unanimous, bipartisan Kentucky General Assembly. Today more than 7,000 Kentucky families enrolled in the program.

Miller and the WKU students encouraged families to sign up for KAPT during an enrollment period that ends Dec. 13. For information, call 888-919-KAPT or visit the website at www.getkapt.com.

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-WKU-