By Gary Pitts
Frankfort, KY – Kentucky is among nine states that can apply for the third round of federal "Race to the Top" funds. The Obama Administration began the competition in 2009 to encourage education reform. If selected Kentucky could get a portion of the $200 million dollars in grants. In the final stage of the contest, states must demonstrate a commitment to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. States must also adopt college and career readiness standards, build data systems to track growth, recruit high quality teachers and principals, and improve low-achieving schools. All states that meet these requirements will receive a share of the money based on population.