For many young athletes, the idea of continuing their sport at the collegiate or professional level is a natural dream. Evan Parisek, a skilled soccer player from Fairdale High School, had every opportunity to pursue that path. However, as he approached the end of high school, Evan made a different choice.

Fairdale High School's diesel tech students recently had the chance to explore how the electric vehicle (EV) industry is transforming career opportunities in automotive technology. Hosted by Ford Blue Oval SK, the event showcased the exciting future of EVs and the evolving role of diesel technicians within this rapidly growing field.

The Academies of Louisville and Explore share a common goal: to provide students with a seamless educational journey from middle school to high school and then to the real world. Charger Day, a collaborative event between Echo Trail Middle School and Jeffersontown High School, brought this vision to life, showcasing how the pathways in Consumer Science, Business and Communication, and Engineering and Design align to create a continuous learning experience. Held on March 18, 2025, this innovative initiative allowed 7th-grade students to experience firsthand the opportunities available in high school, fostering a deeper understanding of their potential future pathways.

Valley High School recently held an innovative, student-led Showcase of Pathways, highlighting the critical importance of early career exploration for incoming freshmen. This initiative, held on March 18, 2025, emphasized the significance of choosing a pathway during the freshman year, setting the stage for focused skill development, hands-on experiences, and informed decision-making about future educational and career goals.

"This is a 'we' thing... not a 'they' thing," said Michael Gritton, Executive Director of KentuckianaWorks, during a panel discussion at the recent Louisville in Action. This Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL) Leadership Lab brought together educators and industry leaders from across the nation to witness firsthand how this collaborative spirit is revolutionizing secondary education in Jefferson County Public Schools.

When Cheryl Carrier, Executive Director of Ford Next Generation Learning (NGL), arrived for the inaugural Louisville in Action: A Ford NGL Leadership Lab, she was sporting shoes she had purchased on a recent trip to Palm Springs. While in Florida, Cheryl enjoyed one of her favorite hobbies: thrift shopping to transform vintage items into new, stylish outfits.

When Jessica Amat Garcia began her senior year at Marion C. Moore High School, she faced challenges that would test her strength and determination. Over the summer, her family was involved in a severe car accident that left her temporarily wheelchair-bound and her mother requiring multiple surgeries. Yet, Jessica refused to let these obstacles define her final year of high school.

Louisville recently hosted an engaging learning exchange during the recent Ford NGL Louisville in Action initiative, focusing on how educators, employers, and community leaders can better engage Generation Z in the workplace. The session aimed to explore Gen Z's unique characteristics, their impact on workplace culture, and actionable strategies for fostering their development. With a mix of expert presentations, panel discussions, and group activities, the event provided a comprehensive understanding of this emerging workforce.

While data and accolades paint a picture of Waggener High School's success, the true measure of its impact lies in the voices and experiences of its students. The recent NCAC visit provided a powerful platform for student ambassadors to share their stories, revealing how the Academies model has transformed their learning, ignited their passions, and prepared them for a future filled with promise. 

Waggener High School recently transformed into a hub of educational innovation, as it proudly hosted educators from across the nation for the National Career Academy Coalition (NCAC) Insight Onsite visit. This wasn't a routine school tour; it was a strategic opportunity to showcase the remarkable progress and achievements of the JCPS Academies of Louisville, with Waggener serving as a shining example for others to emulate. Ten different school districts traveled from across the country to see Waggener’s model of success.

Despite progress, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields, making up only 35% of the STEM workforce in the United States. To address this persistent gap and inspire the next generation of female engineers, Kammerer Middle School hosted an innovative "Girls in Engineering" event on February 28, 2025. This initiative brought together students from Kammerer, Ballard High School, and representatives from the University of Louisville Speed School to foster collaboration and provide hands-on engineering experiences.