The Academies of Louisville's Transformative Journey with Ford NGL
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.
Cheryl Carrier
This creative repurposing serves as a fitting metaphor for Ford NGL's core mission: upending the status quo at traditional schools and reimagining it into something both functional and innovative. Much like Carrier's passion for gardening, where she delights in watching diverse plants intermingle and flourish, Ford NGL cultivates an educational ecosystem where various elements blend to create a vibrant, thriving environment for students.
A Milestone for the Academies of Louisville
The recent Ford NGL Leadership Lab convened educational leaders, industry partners, and community stakeholders, showcasing the transformative potential of the Academies model. Dr. Marty Pollio, Superintendent of Jefferson County Public Schools, welcomed guests to Louisville, setting the tone for the week with a powerful statement about the Academies of Louisville: "This is the most important work we've done in fifty years." By championing a move away from siloed learning toward a more integrated, real-world approach that equips students for both college and career, Dr. Pollio has been instrumental in shaping the Academies' success.
Dr. Pollio's leadership has been pivotal throughout the Academies of Louisville's Ford NGL journey. Inspired by a visit to the Academies of Nashville, Dr. Pollio, then principal of Doss High School, brought the vision back to Louisville. In 2014, Louisville was designated as a Ford NGL community, and the Academies of Louisville officially launched in the fall of 2017. Starting with eleven schools and eleven business partners, today the Academies of Louisville encompass 15 schools with over 200 business partners, positively impacting more than 20,000 students.
“I think Louisville is an incredible exemplar of how you bring the community to the table in a meaningful way.”
Louisville: A Model of Community Engagement
Cheryl Carrier emphasized Louisville's strengths: "I think Louisville is an incredible exemplar of how you bring the community to the table in a meaningful way." She noted how the city has embraced the larger community, building systems and structures that meaningfully engage partners. "Louisville is living and breathing what they're asking their kids to do," Carrier affirmed, highlighting the city's holistic approach to implementing the Academies model. This deep level of community integration sets Louisville apart as a leader in this transformative work.
The Leadership Lab served as a powerful demonstration of how Louisville has progressed beyond simply adopting a program to creating a comprehensive ecosystem of learning. This approach has positioned the city as a national leader in career-focused education. Carrier emphasized the crucial connection between education and industry: "It's important to get employers at the table. You can buy, borrow, or build employees. Our goal is that the academies build employees." By fostering these connections, the Academies of Louisville ensure that students are equipped with the skills and experiences needed to thrive in the modern workforce.
Lifelong Learning: A Key Ingredient
Carrier's own journey underscores the importance of adaptability in education. As a 1978 high school graduate whose parents worked for Ford, she understands firsthand the evolving landscape of education and employment. "I don't think I would be as successful if I weren't a lifelong learner," she reflected, highlighting principles at the heart of the Academies model.
Her enduring curiosity and understanding of transferable skills have been essential to her success, as she stated: "I have found my real passion in this role." Her love for young people and belief in making a difference fuels Ford NGL's mission to transform education and prepare students for the future. It also is a sentiment that is shared with the teachers and business partners; many are there for the workforce pipeline but stay because they are invested in the students.
“This is the most important work we’ve done in fifty years.”
Preparing Students for a Rapidly Changing Future
Sustainability emerged as a key theme throughout the event. Dr. Pollio emphasized the importance of long-term vision: "This cannot get changed with leadership." The structures and partnerships developed through the Academies of Louisville are designed to outlast any single individual or administration, ensuring lasting benefits for students and the community. This commitment to sustainability ensures that the Academies model will continue to positively impact future generations of students in Louisville.
Carrier's insights on the future of work underscored the relevance of the Academies model. "AI will change everything so rapidly. Young people are better prepared," she stated. The Academies' focus on relevant, contextual learning prepares students to adapt to these rapid changes, providing them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-evolving world, answering the crucial question: "Why am I learning this?"
Ford NGL's approach to education transformation is rooted in collaboration and adaptability. "People are often surprised by our collaboration and how well we listen. We don't force ideas but help to get communities where they need to be," Carrier explained. This flexibility enables Ford NGL to work effectively with diverse communities, tailoring their approach to local needs and contexts, ensuring that the Academies model is a force for positive change across the nation.
A Movement Reshaping Education
The Academies of Louisville demonstrate what's possible when education, industry, and community unite. This Leadership Lab was a celebration of a movement that's reshaping education and preparing students for success in an ever-changing world.
Carrier's enthusiasm for this work is contagious. "I love what I do so much. I'm the happiest I've ever been," she shared. Her passion for education transformation, combined with her love for creativity and lifelong learning, embodies the spirit of Ford NGL's mission. As she aptly put it, "This is not a job... It's an adventure." This sentiment captures the excitement and potential of the Academies model, promising a future where education is as dynamic, relevant, and transformative as Carrier's vintage-inspired creations.