The KPA sponsors an annual philosophy essay contest for undergraduates attending a Kentucky college or university. The winner receives a cash award and is invited to present the winning essay at the annual meeting.
Recent Meetings:
| Year | Date | Host Institution | Program | Minutes |
| 2024 | April 27 | Western Kentucky University | 2024 Program | |
| 2023 | Mar. 31-Apr. 1 | Brescia University** | 2023 Program | |
| 2022 | April 9 | Morehead University | 2022 Program | |
| 2019 | April 14 | Transylvania University | 2019 Program | |
| 2018 | April 14 | Thomas More College | 2018 Program | 2018 Minutes |
| 2017 | April 1 | Eastern Kentucky University | 2017 Program | 2017 Minutes |
| 2016 | April 16 | Bellarmine University | 2016 Program | 2016 Minutes |
| 2015 | April 10-11 | Owensboro CTC** | 2015 Program | 2015 Minutes |
| 2014 | April 5 | Western Kentucky University | 2014 Program | |
| 2013 | March 23 | Transylvania University | 2013 Program | 2013 Minutes |
| 2012 | April 28 | Centre College | 2012 Program | 2012 Minutes |
| 2011 | October 22 | Northern Kentucky University | Fall 2011 Program | |
| April 9 | University of Kentucky | Spring 2011 Program | Spring 2011 Minutes | |
| 2010 | November 20 | Thomas More College | Fall 2010 Program | |
| April 17 | Eastern Kentucky University | Spring 2010 Program | ||
| 2009 | November 21 | University of Louisville | Fall 2009 Program | |
| April 18 | Centre College | Spring 2009 Program | ||
| 2008 | November | Northern Kentucky University | Fall 2008 Program | |
| April 12 | University of Kentucky | Spring 2008 Program | ||
| 2007 | November 3 | Bellarmine University | Fall 2007 Program | |
| April 14 | Thomas More College | Spring 2007 Program | ||
| 2006 | October 28 | Transylvania University | Fall 2006 Program | |
| April 1 | Eastern Kentucky University | Spring 2006 Program | ||
| 2005 | ??? | University of Louisville | Fall 2005 Program | |
| April 9* | University of Cincinnati | Spring 2005 Program | ||
| 2004 | November 6 | Kentucky State University | Fall 2004 Program | |
| April 10 | Northern Kentucky University | Spring 2004 Program | ||
| 2003 | November 22 | University of Kentucky | Fall 2003 Program | |
| April 12 | University of Louisville | Spring 2003 Program | ||
** 2023 and 2015 Meetings were held jointly with the Indiana Philosophical Association
* Spring 2005 Meeting was a joint meeting with the Ohio Philosophical Association