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. 

Their role as the public face of the Academies highlights the Academies of Louisville’s commitment to preparing students for future careers, fostering community connections, and providing relevant, hands-on learning experiences that extend beyond traditional classroom walls. This year, the annual training took place at Sullivan University, where a new cohort of ambassadors honed the very skills that make them leaders.

The Ambassadors’ Mission

The ambassador's role is a commitment to representing their school and the broader Academies of Louisville community. As representatives, they work to enhance prospective students', families', and business partners' knowledge about the various pathways offered. Kevin, a student ambassador from Fairdale High School, defines the role perfectly: "A student ambassador is somebody that represents your school. Somebody that walks through the hallways with a smile on their face... and is also somebody that leads as well."

The ambassador's mission is rooted in serving others and building a more connected community. As Kevin explains, "I feel as a student ambassador, you get to be the voice for those who don't have one." This focus on advocacy and leadership is a cornerstone of the program.

Lilian (Valley), Nyima (Southern), JCPS Chief of Schools Rob Moore, & Kevin (Fairdale)

Ambassador Training

The day-long training at Sullivan University equipped these young leaders with the practical skills needed to thrive in their roles. Sessions focused on sharpening professional communication and building conversational skills to engage with diverse audiences, from eighth graders on tours to business partners at events.

"We were developing our skills to be an ambassador, how to pitch ourselves, how to present ourselves, and how to be a good ambassador to the public," said Ethan, a student ambassador from Eastern High School. This training helps students build confidence and professionalism. Nyima, a student from Southern High School, noted, "These interpersonal skills just help me get out of my shell, and they help me learn how to speak more fluently. It's a really great skill, and being an ambassador has taught me to talk more professionally."

A Broader Perspective

The training at Sullivan University highlighted the importance of a unified Academies of Louisville community. Ambassadors from different schools collaborated and shared their experiences, recognizing that they are part of a much larger, collective mission.

Sulia, a student ambassador from Iroquois High School, expressed her appreciation for the cross-school collaboration, stating, "It was really nice learning all the other things that other schools offer, and I got to see some people who I used to go to school with." Ethan agreed, adding, "I loved getting to meet all the new people and seeing all the pathways in different schools. Some schools have these pathways that I could never think a high school could have, like HVAC and diesel. I think that’s pretty cool."

The Path to Succeed

The ultimate goal of the ambassador program is to turn training into a powerful pathway for life and career. The students who take on this role are gaining valuable experience that directly applies to their post-secondary goals. As Isaiah McAtee, Regional Chef Representative from Sullivan University explains, the Academies students "know what they want" and "just need the resources to get there."

The program is a living example of this philosophy. Nyima's experience with a Norton's healthcare internship is a perfect testament to this. "I work in radiology at Norton's West, and I help assist the radiology techs and I help transport. It's a really great experience because now I know what I want to do when I grow up." Her story is a powerful reminder that the skills and connections built as an ambassador are not just for high school—they are for a lifetime.