Building Futures: How Academy Coach Clay Harned Opens Doors for Students at Ballard High School

Ballard High School isn’t just shaping students’ education—it’s shaping their futures. Through innovative programs and strong community partnerships, the school is creating pathways for success that extend far beyond the classroom. At the forefront of this mission is Clay Harned, an Academy Coach who’s dedicated to connecting students with real-world opportunities.

Empowering Potential

With over 15 years of experience in education, Mr. Harned has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and career readiness. From his early days as a business teacher to his work as a counselor and now as an Academy Coach, Mr. Harned’s focus has remained the same: helping students unlock their potential.

At Ballard, that potential is nurtured through 12 career pathways supported by 16 Career and Technical Education teachers. Each pathway offers students a chance to explore their passions, gain practical skills, and prepare for a meaningful future.

Partnerships that Transform

One of the school’s greatest strengths is its collaboration with local businesses. Partners like Republic Bank, Humana, UPS, Doe-Anderson, and UofL Health, and Louisville City FC don’t just offer financial support—they provide students with real-world experiences that help them envision their futures.

"We want our students to have real-world experiences,” Mr. Harned said. “The more life-applicable stuff that students can do, the better."

Through the school’s partnership with Humana, students work on developing mobile apps designed for senior citizens. During the project, they gain hands-on experience in both technology and user-centered design. It’s an exercise that combines innovation with impact, leaving students better prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.

Stories like Alex Payton’s highlight the transformative power of these partnerships. A Ballard graduate, Alex discovered his passion for graphic design through one of these collaborations, setting him on a career path he might never have imagined.

Looking Ahead

For Mr. Harned, the work is far from over. He’s focused on expanding opportunities for students, including creating more targeted college tours, deepening relationships with business partners, and amplifying stories of student success.

These efforts aren’t just about preparing students for their next steps—they’re about shaping a stronger, more connected community. Business partners, in turn, gain the satisfaction of seeing their impact firsthand, knowing they’ve helped nurture the talent that will drive the future workforce.

Ballard High School shows us what’s possible when education meets opportunity. By connecting students with meaningful experiences and mentorship, Mr. Harned and the staff at Ballard are  preparing a generation to step confidently into their futures—one pathway at a time.

“We want our students to have real-world experiences. The more life-applicable stuff that students can do, the better."

Clay Harned
Academy Coach, Ballard High School