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Erik Maniriho’s Flight Plan: Leadership, Communication, and Transferable Skills
Erik Maniriho just completed his high school journey at Seneca High School, graduating as a model student of the Academies of Louisville. A testament to his growth, his senior year recently culminated in him serving as one of two student emcees at the 2025 Academies of Louisville celebration, where he personally greeted the Louisville mayor.
Investing in Our Own: Mady Searcy Is the First Teaching & Learning Graduate to Complete the Path from PRP Student to JCPS Teacher
In an era when teacher shortages challenge districts nationwide, Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) is implementing a long-term solution by investing in its own students through the Academies of Louisville. Nowhere is this strategy more evident than in the story of Mady Searcy, a graduate of the Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) High School Teaching and Learning Pathway, who has now returned to her roots to inspire the next generation of learners.
Every Voice Heard: GE Appliances Breaks the Mold for Career Panels and Multilingual Professionals at Doss High School
In the Academies of Louisville, our central mission is to get students out of their seats and into the real world. We believe that true learning happens through active participation, not passive listening. Yet, too often, traditional career panels fall short of this model, turning into one-way lectures that fail to truly engage students. This is why a recent event at Doss High School stood out, serving as a powerful example of what's possible when partners like GE Appliances commit to a hands-on approach.
The Face of Leadership: Student Ambassadors for the Academies of Louisville
The Student Ambassador initiative exemplifies the core mission of the Academies of Louisville by bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world career experiences. By representing their schools to the community, leading tours, and interacting with business leaders, these young leaders showcase the practical skills and confidence gained through the Academies' innovative approach.
Soaring Beyond the Classroom: How a Public-Private Partnership Is Redefining Education at the Academy at Shawnee✈️
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.
Three PRP Panthers Forge Their Futures
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.
A Strong Foundation for the Future: Why Freshman Academy Matters
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."
Retirement and Reflection with PRP’s Deanna Hawks
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.
Five Keys to a Teacher Externship: Why Seneca's Day at Norton Healthcare Was More Than a Field Trip
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.
GE Appliances and Doss High School Partner to Engineer a New Model for Manufacturing Careers
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.
Cultivating Coherence: Lessons in Intentional Leadership from the Academies of Louisville
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.
"Not Another Meeting on Tuesday": How the Academy Model Serves as JCPS's Vehicle for System-Wide Educational Success
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.