About EducateNKY
EducateNKY was incubated and launched in 2023 by the OneNKY Alliance to address positive systemic change in education throughout Northern Kentucky, with an initial focus on communities with the highest socioeconomic needs. The organization works to identify and implement best practices to expand educational opportunities for youth and drive improved student outcomes. By doing so, the wider NKY community will win.
Former Kenton County Schools Superintendent and entrepreneur Tim Hanner began his role as the President & CEO of the newly created EducateNKY on July 1, 2023. He is joined by Nancy Costello, Logistics and Communication Lead.
Visit the EducateNKY website for more information: EducateNKY
EDUCATION
Igniting with STEAM
GOAL: Produce a well-educated, highly skilled, qualified workforce
PARTNERS: Boone County School System, Duke Energy, OneNKY Alliance, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Toyota
Since 2018, Business and education leaders throughout Northern KY have come together to create a 9th-12th grade high school that will prepare our students for 21st century careers in advanced manufacturing, IT, health sciences, logistics, and construction technology. This high school, known as IGNITE Institute, opened its doors in August of 2019 with an enrollment of 1000 students. Northern Kentucky’s new STEAM-based (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) regional high school will fuel the talent pipeline to fill the job gap in our region.
- Ignite Institute is a national model for world-class education, transformative learning, focused on regional and state career sector needs
- Students have on-the-job experiences with business, relevant industry challenges to work on, specialized career training, extensive dual credit opportunities, and instruction by highly trained teachers with industry experience
Through a partnership between business and education organizations who collaborated on workforce solutions, OneNKY Alliance answered the call for early support of this concept and its operational and strategic needs. Northern Kentucky now has a transformative new educational model that holds great value for future workforce need in the region.
Next Generation Learning
The Ignite Institute’s goal is to provide a blended learning experience for scholars that includes working collaboratively and independently using an online platform. The teacher becomes a facilitator and mentor to scholars, providing them the resources and support they need to achieve their goals. Project-based learning is part of the DNA at the Ignite Institute. Scholars and teachers collaborate with industry partners to solve real-world problems which provide scholars the skills necessary to succeed.
Collaborating for a Better Tomorrow
Ignite has numerous points of community and business partnerships that benefit both scholars and the region. Local colleges and other state institutions have played a crucial role in the planning and development of the school. At Ignite, industry partners collaborate with curriculum specialists and create mentorship opportunities for scholars that provide the skills needed to succeed in a competitive job market. Ignite prepares scholars to be leaders and entrepreneurs in their chosen field. At Ignite, scholars participate in authentic, personally challenging work that is meaningful beyond the school walls.
