On January 16, 2025, the Academy at Shawnee's Business and Entrepreneurship students showcased their innovative skills by presenting social media branding strategies for the Belle of Louisville. This collaboration marked the culmination of months of effort, as students worked closely with Heather Funk, Communications and Content Manager for the historic steamboat, to modernize its online presence and engage younger audiences.

On January 10, 2025, Atherton High School hosted a needed event aimed at addressing the persistent racial and gender disparities in STEM fields. The school welcomed a diverse panel of STEM professionals, offering minority students a unique opportunity to engage with successful role models in their chosen field.

This interview offers a perspective on the year to come from Mary Beth Smith, Director of the Academies of Louisville.

At Doss, Southern, and Jeffersontown High Schools, students aren't just learning about finance—they're living it. In an unprecedented investment reshaping financial education, Class Act Federal Credit Union has opened full-service bank branches inside these three JCPS high schools. These aren't scaled-down models or simulations. Students operate actual credit union branches, handling transactions and gaining hands-on experience in the financial sector.

On a chilly December day in 2024, while most Atherton High School students were busy preparing for final exams, Ruby Korman found herself back at her alma mater—not as a student, but as a guest lecturer. Although she should have been a junior at Atherton, Ruby is currently thriving in her first year at the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics at Morehead State University. Instead of taking tests, she was sharing her experiences and insights about the exciting opportunities available in aerospace engineering, all while catching up with her friends from high school.

In a heartwarming display of community engagement and healthcare education, Pleasure Ridge Park High School (PRP) hosted its second annual Teddy Bear Clinic for kindergarten students from Greenwood Elementary School on December 18, 2024. This innovative event, spearheaded by PRP teacher Mrs. Erin Ferguson, brought together high school students, medical professionals, and eager young learners in a unique educational experience that demystified healthcare and inspired future generations.

On December 17, 2024, the iGEN Business Academy at Southern High School orchestrated an engaging Young Professionals Panel, offering students a rare glimpse into various career paths and industry insights. The event, which took place in the school's auditorium from 9:30 AM to 11:20 AM, created a platform for business partners to interact with and inspire the upcoming generation of professionals.

Devontay Cox, a junior at The Academy at Shawnee, has embarked on an inspiring journey that intertwines his passion for soccer with his entrepreneurial aspirations. From a shy freshman who hid behind a mask to a confident student ready to take on the world, Devontay's story is a testament to the power of mentorship, resilience, and real-world opportunities.

On December 10, 2024, students from Ballard High School's Civil Engineering pathway stepped into their potential future as they explored the construction site of the new Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) off Brownsboro Road. This exclusive tour, facilitated by the Academies of Louisville Alliance, provided juniors with a unique opportunity to witness firsthand how their classroom concepts materialize on an impressive scale. As these aspiring engineers navigated the bustling site, they weren't merely observing construction; they were experiencing the transformation of theoretical knowledge into tangible solutions that will serve veterans for generations to come.

In a moving ceremony that brought together educators, law enforcement, and community leaders, Seneca High School recently celebrated a group of exceptional students who earned the prestigious Kentucky Civic Seal. This event not only recognized the students' achievements but also highlighted the importance of civic education in shaping the future leaders of our democracy.