In a city defined by its relationship to the skies, from the global logistics hub at UPS to the storied history of Bowman Field, a new educational model is taking flight. The Academy at Shawnee has partnered with Flight Club 502, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to create an innovative, immersive learning environment that takes place not in a traditional classroom, but in a hangar at Bowman Field. This unique collaboration is a bold attempt to address systemic academic challenges by offering 19 JCPS students a compelling, high-value career pathway directly linked to a Private Pilot's License. 

The Panthers of Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) High School are a diverse group, each with a unique journey to success. Three remarkable 2025 graduates—Jonathan Hermosillo, Sophie Mayhew, and Sean Alexander—exemplify how the Academies of Louisville at PRP have provided them with the tools and experiences to build their own futures, whether through a traditional college path or a skilled trade. These students' stories highlight the power of hands-on learning, mentorship, and self-discovery in preparing them for the world beyond high school.

Rather than enrolling students in a career-themed academy upon entering high school, the Academies of Louisville recognized the importance of a strong, foundational freshman year. As Lauren Clemons, the Freshman Academy Counselor at Fern Creek, explains, "Freshman Academy is the foundation. We are what starts everything moving forward out of freshman year."

Pleasure Ridge Park High School is preparing for the retirement of a beloved and longstanding leader, Deanna Hawks. As the Academy Coach, Mrs. Hawks’ passion and dedication have been instrumental in building one of the most successful Academy programs in the district. Over her career, she has consistently created hands-on learning opportunities for students, built a robust network of business partners, and transformed the way high school education prepares students for the future. 

But not all externships are created equal. The recent experience of Seneca High School's Health Science Academy teachers at Norton West Louisville Hospital was a model for success, transforming a day of observation into a catalyst for an entire school year. By intentionally structuring the day to be a feedback loop between education and industry, the Seneca team created a powerful roadmap for other schools to follow.

This school year marks a new chapter for the Doss High School and GE Appliances partnership. The relationship intensified with a three-day teacher externship, which now serves as the springboard for a semester-long, partner-driven project-based learning (PBL) experience for the entire school. All Doss teachers and students will collaborate on real-world projects, with a final showcase scheduled at GE Appliances’ Monogram Hall on December 9th. This powerful alignment between industry and education ensures that every student is prepared not just for a job, but for a life of purpose.

Leaders constantly seek strategies for sustained progress, employee engagement, and transformative impact. While industry abounds with leadership resources, education often becomes an overlooked avenue for gleaning gems of leadership wisdom. At their recent Collaborative Summer Conference, leaders from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) middle and high schools explored a concept vital to both education and enterprise: coherence.

The number of standards to be met and new initiatives to be followed can often overwhelm school leaders. Through the vision and support of district leadership at JCPS, the Academies align initiatives. This model allows Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) to implement district-wide educational initiatives. The Academies ensure core competencies and essential skills are embedded in every student’s pathway.

On May 20, the PRP High School Welding Pathway hosted its annual Signing Day—a celebration of skill, partnership, and the transformative power of hands-on learning. As families, educators, and industry leaders gathered in the welding shop, the energy was electric: this was more than a ceremony; it was a launchpad for bright futures in Louisville’s booming skilled trades sector.

On May 9, 2025, the Fairdale community gathered for the annual Diesel Tech Celebration—a powerful reminder of the vital role skilled trades play in shaping bright futures for students and supporting the region’s workforce. The event brought together students, educators, industry partners, and families to honor achievements in diesel technology, recognize certifications and co-op signings, and spotlight the transformational impact of hands-on learning.

Kendra Quaye-Mansell’s journey at Fern Creek High School began with a love for creativity and a search for belonging. Having explored media arts and communication at Newburg Middle School, Kendra was eager to explore new forms of expression. At Fern Creek, she sampled both video and graphic design, but it was the graphic design pathway’s welcoming, supportive environment that truly resonated with her. “It’s just chill,” Kendra shares, describing a space where students support each other and creativity thrives. Despite not considering herself a natural artist—“I cannot draw”—she found that graphic design offered her the freedom to express ideas in her own way. What started as an exploration soon became the foundation for her leadership, creativity, and confidence.

When Dr. Marty Pollio looks back on his years at Jefferson County Public Schools, one story stands out as the spark for a movement that would transform education across Louisville. In a recent interview, Dr. Pollio recounted a pivotal moment at Jeffersontown High School—a moment that helped ignite the vision for the Academies of Louisville and continues to shape the future for thousands of students.