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Jessica Amat Garcia's Entrepreneurial Journey at Moore
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.

Engaging Generation Z: Insights and Strategies for the Workplace
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.
Student Voices: Unveiling the Heart of Waggener
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 Shines as NCAC Insight Onsite Host
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.
Kammerer Middle School Girls Catapult into STEM with Ballard and UofL Speed School
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.
West Louisville Students Brew Up Innovative Marketing Strategies for Local Coffee Shop
West Louisville High School students put their marketing skills to the test on February 21, 2025, at AMPED's Russell Technology Business Incubator (RTBI), presenting dynamic campaigns for Blak Koffee, a community-focused coffee shop born from AMPED's very own incubator program. The challenge, a three-week deep dive into marketing strategy, tasked students from Central and Shawnee High Schools with attracting a younger clientele while honoring Blak Koffee's core values: community, sustainability, and a celebration of local artistry.

From Cutting-Edge Classrooms to Career: How Industry Partnerships and Innovative Spaces Drive CTE Success
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.

How Academies and CTE Work Together for Student Success
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.

Investing in Community and Excelling in Business with Eastern High's Mishti Patel
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.

Atherton Students Take Flight at UPS Simulators
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.

CTSOs in Action: SkillsUSA Regional Competition Showcases Academies of Louisville Talent
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.

Choosing a Career: Eastern High School Freshmen Explore Their Options
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.