The Close the Deal program helps Kentucky high school juniors and seniors make the transition into college by assisting them with the admissions and financial aid processes. During the event, community and business leaders work with students in setting and meeting goals for college and their future careers. College admission and financial aid professionals are also brought in to share information about how to navigate the admission and financial aid processes.
Close the Deal was originated in Louisville, KY in 2008 by then Mayor Jerry Abramson. When Abramson became Lt. Governor of Kentucky in 2012, he worked to spread the program statewide. Since then approximately 20 schools throughout Kentucky have implemented the Close the Deal program as a part of their college access programming. Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) took over sponsorship of the program in 2015.