LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — A decade ago, the Academies of Louisville started with 13 business partners and a goal of giving students a clearer path from the classroom to a career.
Now, the JCPS program has more than 350 business partners, including Louisville's 10 largest employers, and operates across 15 high schools.
Students are grouped into career-focused programs, giving them the chance to explore different industries while still in high school.
Students can graduate with more than a diploma. They can also earn college credits, industry certifications and real-world work experience.
Kerri Richardson with the Academies of Louisville said the program has become an important part of preparing students for Louisville's workforce.
"This is not just a high school program anymore," Richardson said. "The Academies of Louisville are one of the primary engines driving our city's workforce."
The program's business partnerships allow students to gain experience and start building a network in the industries they may pursue after graduation.
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