The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence

Building a Path to a Larger Life for All Kentuckians Through Excellent Education.

For 41 years, the Prichard Committee has worked to study priority issues, inform the public and policy makers about best practices and mobilize citizens, business leaders, families, students, and other stakeholders in a shared mission - to move Kentucky to the top tier of all states for education excellence and equity for all children, from their earliest years through postsecondary education.

Thanks to the efforts of the Committee and dedicated citizens, Kentucky has moved from the bottom of the national rankings in education to the middle and above. Our ambitious goal is to move to the top tier of all states within this generation.

To accomplish this goal, the Committee focuses on three overarching priorities. Our work is grounded in intentional efforts for equity with excellence, to ensure that students in the groups that have had less opportunity to excel catch up with their peers.

1. A Strong Accountability System

We demand excellence through meaningful standards and robust accountability about quality and student progress from early childhood through postsecondary education. High expectations and transparency are critical components for Kentucky’s educational success.

2. Adequate and Equitable Funding

We advocate for efficient use of resources and equitable funding that is adequate to assure excellence in education from early childhood through postsecondary.

3. Sustained and Expanded Engagement

We work to engage Kentucky citizens on education issues. Informed and empowered students, parents, communities, and business leaders will demand continued progress for education across the Commonwealth.

Who We Are

The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence is a citizen-led, nonpartisan, nonprofit founded in 1983. The Committee's membership is comprised of over 100 citizens across the state who dedicate themselves to learning about the issues, educating leaders in their own regions, and advocating for policies that support Kentucky’s education progress. The organization maintains a professional staff with expertise in policy, implementation, engagement, and communications.