UK study suggests maple syrup industry can greatly tap into, expand Kentucky’s economy

By Lilli Dubler, Building Kentucky Kentucky’s forests, traditionally valued for their timber and recreation, could soon become a source of sweet economic opportunity, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The study, “Economic impacts of maple syrup production potential in Kentucky: Input-output analysis,” published […]
Louisville education leaders celebrate grand opening of new Head Start facility on E. Burnett

By Quin Welch, Building Kentucky Louisville Metro Director of Early Childhood Development Leanne French joined OVEC leaders on Thursday to celebrate the grand opening of OVEC’s 22nd Head Start facility in its region. After a soft opening in December, Burnett Head Start is fully open and operational. Currently, 28 children attend the school, but Burnett has […]
Record donations from Jefferson Giving Day will fund student scholarships, emergency support

By Stephanie Smith, Building Kentucky More students will receive needs-based scholarships and access to food pantries, emergency aid and enrichment services thanks to the 123 donors who collectively contributed more than $24,000 on Jefferson Giving Day. “We are grateful to our community of supporters who join us in our commitment to removing barriers to quality […]
Jefferson celebrates student success, record high enrollment during Community College Month

By Tom Lally, Building Kentucky Jefferson Community and Technical College (Jefferson) will celebrate its record number of enrolled students and their achievements throughout Community College Month. As Kentucky’s largest and most impactful two-year post-secondary public institution, Jefferson is committed to transforming lives and communities through educational excellence in an inclusive environment that opens doors for […]
Transylvania, UK forge alliance to help advance Kentucky
By Lilli Dubler, Building Kentucky The presidents of Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky recently announced an alliance between the two historic institutions to work together on programs and initiatives that will advance the health and well-being of their students and the Commonwealth. “We exist to serve Kentucky — that has been our mission […]
Jefferson announces new name and gives first look at state-of-the-art downtown science center

By Tom Lally, Building Kentucky Jefferson Community & Technical College (Jefferson) is proud to announce the name of its highly anticipated downtown science building: The Center for Science and Discovery. This 40,000+ square foot building with cutting-edge labs and classrooms is an investment in the future of our region’s workforce, uplifting faculty, staff and students […]
University of Kentucky researchers develop greener, more sustainable ways to recover metals from electronic waste

By Lilli Dubler, Building Kentucky As electronic waste (e-waste) piles up globally, researchers at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and the Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering are pioneering innovative methods to recover valuable metals from discarded devices and industrial waste. E-waste — including smartphones, laptops and spent batteries — contains critical […]
Berea College’s new Edwards Building forges student connections while paying homage to history

By Jamie Johnson, Building Kentucky Berea College has begun construction on a new building that will replace the recently demolished Edwards Building on Berea College’s campus. The new building, which will be located near the corner of Main Street and Estill Street, will house dedicated student spaces with flexible and modern learning and gathering rooms. […]
We Lead CS announces grant for Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce to build talent pipeline, expand tech education

By Jamie Johnson, Building Kentucky Yesterday, January 29, 2025, Kentucky State Senator Shelley Funke Frommeyer and Representative Mike Clines joined Alicia Sells, Chief Executive Officer, We Lead CS and Brent Cooper, President and CEO, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce to announce the Northern Kentucky Chamber’s acceptance of a Take the Lead grant from We Lead […]
OVEC launches regional teacher apprenticeship program to address educator shortages

By Quin Welch, Building Kentucky The Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) has partnered with Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) and the University of Louisville (UofL) to launch a 9-12 Teacher Apprenticeship Program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to tackle the ongoing teacher shortage in Kentucky. This Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship program provides a […]
Kentucky educators, support staff receive access to groundbreaking digital stress management platform

By Quin Welch, Building Kentucky Bounceback, a leading digital health platform designed to support K-12 educators, recently announced its partnership with the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC), a consortium of 14 school districts in north central Kentucky. This collaboration aims to provide wellness-focused professional development (PD) for OVEC’s 400+ employees, many of whom are dedicated […]
Thomas More’s Dyslexia Institute introduces Orton-Gillingham training program

By Lilli Dubler, Building Kentucky Thomas More University’s Dyslexia Institute recently introduced its latest initiative: a comprehensive Orton-Gillingham training program. Orton-Gillingham is a practical, research-based approach that teaches children and adults, especially those with dyslexia, to read. The first training sessions will begin in January 2025, offering a unique opportunity for educators and parents in […]
Three years since the tornado: UK research center rebuilds stronger, reaffirms role in Kentucky’s agricultural industry

By Lilli Dubler, Building Kentucky On Dec. 11, 2021, an EF-4 tornado devastated western Kentucky. Among the destruction, mere remnants of the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center at Princeton (UKREC) facility were left behind. Decades of infrastructure and millions of dollars in equipment were destroyed overnight, reducing one of the state’s key agricultural assets to […]
Designing for the Future: Luckett & Farley partners with Trinity High School on new STEM career center

By Jamie Johnson, Building Kentucky Trinity High School in Louisville has announced the plans to build a new STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Career Center to offer new classes and larger, better-equipped lab spaces. The project is being designed by the architecture firm Luckett & Farley. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, […]
New report finds OVEC school districts received more than half-a-million dollars during 2023-24 academic year

By Quin Welch, Building Kentucky The Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative (OVEC) recently unveiled the 2023-2024 Services Report, showcasing significant strides in providing essential educational services and support to its 14-member school districts. This year, OVEC delivered thousands of hours of consulting, direct funding, and cost-saving measures that reshaped the educational landscape for students and educators […]