AT&T and Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates Partner to Announce John “Bam” Carney Scholarship

A scholarship honoring former State Representative John “Bam” Carney and his demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning was announced Friday through a partnership with AT&T and Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates (JAG Kentucky).

Carney passed away in July 2021 at age 51 after a long health battle, which started in December 2019 after he was diagnosed with a severe case of pancreatitis and led to several life-threatening complications.

Throughout his time in the legislature, Carney served as House Education Committee Chair, and then later Majority Leader and championed a number of key bills. He was passionate about education and the state’s competitiveness. As a result, Carney was awarded the Chamber MVP award multiple times, as well as recognition from many other organizations from across the state.

Carney was elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 2009, representing the 51st District covering Adair and Taylor counties. The Campbellsville native was an educator and spent 16 years coaching basketball and football at the middle and high school levels.

Kentucky Chamber Board Member Hollie Spade of AT&T led the press conference and spoke on the impactful partnership the company has had with JAG Kentucky, an organization dedicated to reconnecting students academically by helping them overcome barriers to graduation and helping them transition into postsecondary education, the workforce or the military after graduation.

Jade, a student from Garrard County High School spoke on the impact JAG Kentucky has made in her life and highlighted the ways she has gotten involved in her community, skills she has developed in communication and leadership, and opportunities she has taken to prepare for her future career.

AT&T has donated the funds for this scholarship, and the $100,000 donation will be administered by Jobs for Kentucky’s Graduates. Scholarships will be awarded to 10 students over the next three years.

Kentucky House Speaker David Osborne also spoke at the press conference and said, “I can’t think of a better honor or tribute to his service than this. In my 12 years of working with Bam, I don’t think there was anyone else who advocated for every part of education.”

“There is no better way to honor our friend ‘Bam’ Carney,” said Kentucky Chamber Vice President of Communications and Marketing Jacqueline Pitts, a board member of JAG Kentucky. “The Chamber wants to thank our members AT&T and JAG Kentucky for their commitment to Kentucky’s education.”

The scholarship will be designed to provide post-secondary education to a Kentucky resident who is committed to the pursuit of a degree in education at Kentucky college or university, and criteria will be based on educational achievement in high school, extra-curricular activities, civic engagement, and financial need.

The deadline to apply for the John “Bam” Carney scholarship is on Friday, February 25, 2022.  Please email completed applications to Dr. Jason Miner at j.miner@jagky.org.