LEXINGTON, Ky. — Twelve Fayette County Public Schools seniors have been awarded 2026 "Be the Change" scholarships, Mayor Linda Gorton announced today, marking an expansion of a program designed to support students pursuing careers in criminal justice, public safety and gun violence prevention.

The scholarship is available to FCPS graduating seniors who are eligible for free or reduced lunch, plan to attend a Kentucky two- or four-year college, and have an interest in pursuing a career that strengthens community safety and equity. ONE Lexington, a city initiative dedicated to reducing gun violence among youth and young adults, administers the program.

"I am so proud of these 12 students who are committed to continuing their education with support from the 'Be the Change' scholarship," Gorton said. "We are thankful to Galls, Central Bank, and Blue Grass Community Foundation, who are working with our ONE Lexington team to support our next generation of community leaders."

Funding for the scholarship program is made possible through a partnership among the City, Galls and Central Bank, and is administered by Blue Grass Community Foundation. Each recipient receives a one-time award of up to $10,000 for a single academic year.

The program has grown significantly since its inception. "When Galls first partnered with ONE Lexington and the City in 2022, we knew we were onto something special," said Galls Vice President of Legal Operations Justin Penman. "So many of our customers … the officers, firefighters, paramedics, and public safety professionals we serve every day … call Lexington home."

Penman noted the program's expansion from a single scholarship at Bryan Station High School to an opportunity for young leaders across every Fayette County public high school. "These students represent the future of public safety, criminal justice, and community service," Penman said. "Their stepping up to pursue these fields gives all of us at Galls tremendous pride."

According to ONE Lexington's recent year-end report, the initiative is contributing to declining gun violence among the city's youth and young adults. The scholarship represents one component of the broader community-based strategy aimed at preventing gun violence through education, intervention and economic opportunity.