When a business partner stepped into Iroquois High School's plumbing class, they stepped back in time. Students were still learning with lead pipe fittings, a relic in modern plumbing. Bringing this to the teacher’s attention, JCPS advocated for a change. They took their case to the Kentucky State Workforce Innovation Board, advocating for a curriculum that reflected current industry standards. Their efforts paid off, resulting in a statewide shift from outdated lead fittings to contemporary copper and PVC materials, which ensured that students learn skills relevant to today's plumbing industry.

Once seen as a pathway for students not pursuing college, Career and Technical Education (CTE) now plays a vital role in the educational journey of every student. Beau Johnston, Director of CTE for JCPS, reflects on this evolution: "People used to think of CTE as just for those not going to college. But that's not the case anymore." Today, CTE is an integral part of preparing all students for success, whether their path leads to higher education, directly into the workforce, or both.

Business acumen and social responsibility aren't mutually exclusive; Eastern High School's Mishti Patel embodies that truth. She's leveraging her skills to create positive change in her community while excelling in the Business Academy.From leading the National Honor Society to spearheading initiatives that have raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities, Mishti has proven that business skills can be a powerful force for good. 

On February 14, 2025, fifteen students from Atherton High School's Aerospace Engineering pathway embarked on an exhilarating journey into the world of aviation, visiting UPS's state-of-the-art flight simulators. This hands-on experience not only exposed them to cutting-edge technology but also provided invaluable insights into potential aviation careers.

On February 6, 2025, JCPS Academies of Louisville students competed in the SkillsUSA Regional Competition, demonstrating the power of Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) in preparing students for future success. The event, held at Pleasure Ridge Park High School, brought together talented students from PRP, Jeffersontown, and Fern Creek High Schools to compete in various technical and creative fields.

For many high school freshmen, the prospect of choosing a career can be daunting. With countless options available and an ever-changing job market, students often find themselves overwhelmed by the decision-making process. To help guide their freshmen through this uncertain journey, Eastern High School hosted a Career Exploration Panel on February 5, 2025, bringing together a diverse group of professionals to share their experiences and insights.

Keyshawn Stoner's journey at the Academy at Shawnee began with significant challenges. His freshman year was, as he describes it, a "mess." A car accident resulted in a leg injury, impacting his mobility and school attendance. Coupled with academic struggles, Keyshawn found himself navigating a difficult period, earning Cs and Ds. But the support and guidance he found at Shawnee led to what he and his friends call his “Academic Recovery Comeback.”

This Black History Month, we celebrate Charles Bowser, a visionary leader whose work laid the foundation for career academies, a transformative educational model that champions equity and opportunity for all students.

This interview offers insights from Emily, Business Partner Recruiter for the Academies of Louisville, on her role, vision, and the importance of community involvement.

This team brings together a diverse array of stakeholders—teachers, administrators, counselors, parents, district officials, and industry professionals—fostering a synergy of ideas and experiences. "Every school is not on their own because of the vision team," adds Brian Sermersheim, Freshman Academy Assistant Principal at Fern Creek High School, highlighting the collaborative spirit driving their work.