WKU students can apply for second Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy

Western Kentucky University sophomores, juniors and seniors can apply for the second Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy, a free program connecting students with downtown Bowling Green businesses, organizations, venues and civic leaders.

Applications opened Aug. 4, 2026, and are due by 11:59 p.m. Central time on Sept. 7, according to WBKO. The academy is scheduled to meet monthly from September 2026 through April 2027, beginning with orientation and a kickoff session on Sept. 30.

Who can apply

The academy is open to WKU sophomores, juniors and seniors. The free program is designed to provide leadership development, community-service opportunities and hands-on exposure to downtown Bowling Green.

The initiative is part of the “Down(town) to Gown” connection between WKU and downtown Bowling Green. Planned activities include meeting community leaders, exploring downtown businesses and venues, volunteering at events and learning about nonprofits, arts and entertainment, civic engagement, hospitality, tourism, business and economic development.

What is planned for the second cohort

The 2026-27 academy will run one month longer than the inaugural program. Organizers say the added time will support additional cohort work and a group capstone project intended to benefit the Bowling Green community.

The capstone is a planned component of the upcoming academy, not a completed result. Students are expected to work with downtown businesses, nonprofits, arts organizations, civic institutions and other community partners during the program.

What happened with the first academy

The inaugural academy drew 53 applications, and the City of Bowling Green announced that 24 students were selected for the pilot class. WBKO later reported that 20 students graduated from the first-year program.

The first academy’s official city announcement described a partnership involving the City of Bowling Green, WKU, the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, downtown businesses and local attractions. The partnership is intended to strengthen connections between WKU students and the downtown community.

Application deadline and schedule

Eligible students must apply by 11:59 p.m. Central time on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. Applications are available online or through the pinned posts on Downtown BGKY’s Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Selected students are expected to be notified in mid-September. Orientation and kickoff are scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 30, followed by monthly programming through April 2027.

Questions can be directed to Telia Butler, Downtown Development Coordinator, at telia.butler@bgky.org or 270-393-3617.

Sources

• WBKO: Applications open for 2nd Downtown BGKY Ambassador Academy
• City of Bowling Green: Downtown Ambassador Academy launch