Hear from special guest Donna Gilley, Ford Next Generation Learning Community Coach, as she shares the exciting transformation of the new Christian County High School.

Business, education, and civic leaders in Christian County, Kentucky are calling for deeper partnerships between the local school district and the business community to support the district’s new consolidated high school model focused on career-readiness. The leaders say collaboration between schools, employers, and community partners is crucial for student success and preparing the future workforce.

Eleven years ago, Utica Community Schools sent a group of educators to visit the Academies of Nashville, a high school model partnered with Ford Next Generation Learning to provide career-focused academies. When teacher, Mark LaCombe, got off the bus immediately following a tour of one of the Nashville schools, he excitedly asked Associate Principal, Alison Hildebrand, “When are we doing this?!” 

DPS is inching closer to being designated as a Ford Next Generation Learning district, which is expected to happen in March.

The Academies of Albuquerque is a districtwide high school redesign initiative that connects rigorous academics with career-connected learning and real-world experiences. Through themed academies and career pathways, students explore their interests, develop practical and academic skills, and graduate prepared for college, career and life.

Featured speaker Kimberly Fifer, a community coach for Ford Next Generation Learning, will discuss the importance of community engagement and partnerships between businesses and schools. Fifer has 26 years of experience in education, including service as an assistant superintendent, and has also served as a board member and president of the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce in DeKalb County, Indiana, according to the release.

The foundation’s mission is to enhance learning in Hopkins Public Schools. Each spring, the foundation hosts a fundraising gala to support its spark grants for classroom projects and a districtwide special project.

Akron Public Schools needed a new community partner to lead one of its college and career academies at Garfield Community Learning Center.

Akron Public Schools Superintendent Mary Outley gives the history of the district’s College and Career Academies model, which began in 2016.

Dayton Public began working with Ford Next Generation Learning in October 2024. Dayton Public Schools is implementing a plan to change classes at every grade level to ensuer students graduate better prepared for success in the local job market.

Christian County’s school district is undergoing a major transformation, consolidating its two high schools and career technical center into a new academy-model high school. This shift represents an opportunity for the community to get more involved in shaping education and workforce development to meet local needs.

Christian County’s school district is undergoing a major transformation, consolidating its two high schools and career technical center into a new academy-model high school. This shift represents an opportunity for the community to get more involved in shaping education and workforce development to meet local needs.