Hardin County Schools
Grow Your Own Programs
Information about the Hardin County Schools Grow Your Own Programs including applications, rubrics/selection criterion, and timelines.
Hardin County Schools offers tuition assistance for various groups to obtain teaching certification or principal certification. Applications and timelines for each program are different and outlined below. For questions about any of the Grow Your Own programs offered, please contact the Director of Education Development and Student Support at 270-769-8876.
General Information on Grow Your Own
In partnership with Western Kentucky University, Hardin County Schools and about 20 other school districts in Kentucky have started Grow Your Own programs to identify high school seniors and classified employees who are interested in teaching careers. The Grow Your Own program helps address the statewide teacher shortage by providing financial assistance to HCS graduates and HCS employees who want to become certified teachers.
Currently, our Grow Your Own program is providing financial assistance to over 70 teaching candidates. Through the Grow Your Own program, 15 current staff members have already graduated with a degree and are working in classrooms.
High School Graduate Tuition Assistance
Students who graduate from Hardin County Schools interested in pursuing a teaching certificate are eligible to apply for tuition assistance.
Applications are available in January each year for graduates planning to enroll in teacher certification programs in the fall
Western Kentucky University provides a discounted rate of $1050 per education class and pays $350 per education class. Hardin County Schools pays another $350, and the student pays the remaining $350 per class. Students enrolling at other universities in Kentucky can expect tuition assistance at a rate of $350 per education course. The tuition assistance program does not assist with tuition for general education coursework.
Students interested in pursuing teaching certification for middle/high school math or science are eligible to receive $525 per education course from Hardin County Schools and $525 per course from WKU.
Accepted students will be notified by May 1 and must submit proof of enrollment in an accredited teacher education program by July 31. An official contract will be sent after proof of enrollment is received.
Classified to Certified
Through a partnership with Western Kentucky University, classified staff interested in becoming a certified teacher can earn a bachelor's degree or Master's degree. Courses are offered so that staff can remain employed while working on their degree. Western Kentucky University provides a discounted rate of $1050 per education class and pays $350 per education class. Hardin County Schools pays another $350, and the student pays the remaining $350 per class.
Applications open each fall (October 15-November 15)
Accepted applicants must begin classes at WKU in the following spring, summer or fall semester (no later than August of the next calendar year).
Applicants must remain employed full time while utilizing the Grow Your Own program.
Accepted students will be notified by December 1.
APPLICATION (Available October 2024)
Principal Cohort
Through a partnership with Western Kentucky University, the principal cohort helps prepare future school leaders. Members of the cohort complete all coursework together online or at the WKU-Etown campus alongside teachers and staff from Elizabethtown Independent Schools.
Principal cohorts are offered every two years. The next cohort will be available during the 2025-26 school year.
Candidates must have at least 5 years of teaching experience in order to apply.
Participation in the principal cohort does not guarantee employment as a school leader.
Participants must remain employed with Hardin County Schools for three years after graduation as part of the grant agreement.
APPLICATION (Available July 2025)
SELECTION CRITERIA
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much tuition assistance can I expect if accepted into the Grow Your Own Program?
A: Assistance varies based on multiple factors. Students enrolled at Western Kentucky University can expect a discounted tuition rate for education courses ($1050). WKU will pay $350 per class, HCS will pay $350 per class, and the student will pay $350 per class. Students who pursue math or science teaching certificates will receive $525 from WKU and $525 from HCS and will not have a student portion to pay for education courses. High School graduates who choose to attend a school other than WKU will only receive $350 per education course (or $525 per math/science education course for math/science majors).
Q: Do I have to attend Western Kentucky University in order to participate in the Grow Your Own program?
A: Yes, all classified to certified participants and principal cohort participants must attend Western Kentucky University. High School graduates are encouraged to attend WKU since the assistance rate is higher through WKU. However, high school graduate participants can select another in-state university with an accredited teacher certification program.
Q: How many years will I need to teach in Hardin County in order to fulfill my contractual agreement?
A: Three years AFTER you complete your degree and earn certification (See your contract for details)
Q: What if I never use any Grow Your Own funds because I have other grants and scholarships? Will I still need to fulfill my contract to teach in Hardin County?
A: If you do not use any HCS funds, you will not be under obligation to work for Hardin County.
Q: If I resign from HCS before fulfilling my Grow Your Own contract, what will happen?
A: Staff members who resign before fulfilling their contractual obligations will be asked to reimburse the district for all tuition payments made. You will receive a letter via certified mail requesting repayment and the total amount due.
Q: If selected for the Grow Your Own program, when do I need to begin coursework?
A: Grow Your Own participants are expected to start classes within one year of being accepted for the program. For example, if accepted in December 2023 for the Classified to Certified program, the participant would need to start no later than the Fall 2024 semester.
Q: Does acceptance into the Grow Your Own program guarantee admission to Western Kentucky University?
A: No, Grow Your Own participants must complete the admissions process and be accepted into the university on their own.
Q: Can you participate in Grow Your Own as a substitute teacher?
A: Yes, substitute teachers are eligible to apply for Grow Your Own. However, you must sub 90% of the school year to remain eligible for tuition payments.
Q: If I am working on my MAT as an Option 6 teacher, am I eligible for Grow Your Own assistance?
A: Yes, Option 6 teachers are eligible for the Grow Your Own grant and can apply using the Classified to Certified application in the fall.
Q: What is satisfactory academic progress? What happens to my grant if I am not making academic progress?
A: GYO candidates are required to submit grade reports each semester. Satisfactory academic progress is a 3.0 or higher. If your GPA for a semester falls below 3.0 you may lose your GYO grant and be asked to repay the district for any tuition payments made on your behalf. If your GPA for a semester falls below 2.0 you WILL be asked to make repayment and lose your GYO grant.
Q: Does the Grow Your Own program provide funding for certified teachers seeking a Master's degree or Rank change?
A: The only GYO program that provides funding for certified teachers is the principal cohort. At this time, Hardin County Schools does not offer tuition assistance for certified teachers seeking additional degrees.