Maximizing Access to Dual Credit: Understanding KRS 164.786
Kentucky’s Dual Credit Scholarship Program, established under Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 164.786, provides a valuable opportunity for high school students to earn college credit at no cost, helping to reduce financial barriers and accelerate postsecondary success.
Under this statute, eligible Kentucky high school students may receive state-funded scholarships for approved dual credit coursework offered through participating postsecondary institutions, for as long as funding is available to students. The program is designed to support both general education courses aligned to the statewide core and career and technical education (CTE) courses within approved pathways leading to industry-recognized credentials.
Through the Dual Credit Scholarship Program, students may access:
- Up to two CTE dual credit courses per academic year (up to 8 total across four years of high school); and
- Up to 2 general education dual credit courses total during the junior and senior years (commonly implemented as 2 courses in each of those years based on available funding and program structure).
Scholarships, which are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, cover tuition costs up to the established dual credit tuition rate ceiling. This ensures that participating institutions cannot charge eligible students additional tuition or fees beyond what is covered by the scholarship for approved coursework.
For children and youth experiencing homelessness (CYEH), the Dual Credit Scholarship Program serves as a primary funding source for dual credit enrollment. Homeless liaisons play a critical role in ensuring that:
- CYEH are identified and informed about the availability of dual credit opportunities;
- Schools apply for scholarship funds on behalf of eligible CYEH; and
- The Dual Credit Scholarship Program is fully utilized prior to using McKinney-Vento subgrant funds or Title I, Part A homeless set-aside funds to cover dual credit costs.
This approach aligns with the supplement, not supplant requirement for McKinney-Vento subgrant funds ensuring that state-funded opportunities are accessed first and that limited federal resources are preserved for unmet and supplemental needs.
Please contact Zach Stumbo with any questions before using homeless education funding to pay for dual credit coursework.
New Federal Student Aid Identity Verification Requirements
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid has announced an important update to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process that may impact children and youth experiencing homelessness (CYEH).
Beginning April 26, 2026, a new real-time identity verification system was implemented for all FAFSA applicants. As part of this update, the FAFSA will now screen applicants for identity verification during the application process. While many students may not notice a difference, some will be prompted to submit a photo of a government-issued ID before completing and submitting their FAFSA.
If selected for verification, students will receive a prompt within the FAFSA form with instructions for uploading a photo of their ID. Students completing the FAFSA on a computer will receive a quick response (QR) code to continue the process on a phone or tablet. Students do not need to log in again on the secondary device, and the phone number used does not need to match their FAFSA account. The system provides real-time, automated feedback on image quality and submission status, available 24/7. Once the ID is verified, students can return to the FAFSA to sign and submit their application.
The verification step must be completed during the FAFSA session and cannot be saved for later. If a student is unable to complete the process at that time, they may still submit the FAFSA. However, the student will need to present valid identification directly to their college’s financial aid office before receiving aid.
This new requirement may present barriers for CYEH, particularly those who do not have access to a government-issued ID or a mobile device at the time of FAFSA completion. Proactive planning and support from school staff will be important.
To support successful FAFSA completion local homeless liaisons are encouraged to begin conversations with students about the importance of securing and maintaining vital documents, including a photo ID. Conversations should ideally begin in the junior year or earlier. Liaisons can also refer students to the National Network for Youth’s “I Am Here” Vital Document Legal Hotline, (888) 870-DOCS, which can assist with obtaining identification and other key documents. Lastly, advise students to confirm with their financial aid office that all requirements are complete, even after submitting the FAFSA or accepting financial aid offers.
Kentucky law provides important support for students experiencing homelessness. Under KRS 186.412(7), individuals without a fixed or permanent address are eligible to receive a state-issued personal identification card at no cost from any Driver Licensing Regional Office. For additional guidance on this process, please refer to the KDE Homeless Education Newsletter February 2026 edition.
Resource Spotlight: Attendance Toolkit for Students Experiencing Homelessness
Improving attendance for children and youth experiencing homelessness (CYEH) remains a critical priority, as housing instability is closely linked to chronic absenteeism especially in Kentucky (Prichard Committee, 2026). To support the attendance of CYEH, SchoolHouse Connection, in partnership with Attendance Works, has developed a Local Educational Agency (LEA) Toolkit: Improving Attendance for Students Experiencing Homelessness. This comprehensive toolkit brings together ready-to-use templates, sample materials and practical strategies drawn from districts across the country. Designed to help schools move from ideas to action, the toolkit offers resources that can be quickly adapted to strengthen attendance support for CYEH.
The toolkit emphasizes the importance of integrating attendance and homeless education efforts, recognizing that addressing one without the other limits impact. Key resources and strategies include:
- Practical tools for identifying students experiencing homelessness and monitoring attendance patterns;
- Guidance on using attendance data to drive decision-making;
- Strategies to remove common barriers, such as transportation and unmet basic needs;
- Examples of how districts can build cross-department collaboration and leverage community partnerships; and
- Promising practices from urban, suburban and rural districts nationwide.
While this toolkit is a valuable resource, please remember it was developed for a national audience. This toolkit was not developed in partnership with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). As a result, some tools may not fully align with state and local policies. Certain practices may need adjustment to fit district size, staffing structures or local needs. Local homeless liaisons are encouraged to review the toolkit thoughtfully and adapt materials as needed to ensure alignment with local context and state requirements.
For questions about applying these strategies in Kentucky or for technical assistance on improving attendance for CYEH, please email Zach Stumbo.
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