By Quin Welch, Building Kentucky
At a time when more than 3,000 tech jobs are available in Kentucky – paying an average of $70,000 a year – We Lead Computer Science Kentucky Virtual Career Academy (We Lead CS) completed its first-ever day of classes on Wednesday. The inaugural class is comprised of over 100 high school students, from eight counties across the Commonwealth, ready to begin their journeys to high-paying jobs in tech.
Students from Lawrence, Rockcastle and Owen Counties are participating, alongside students at iLEAD Academy, a four-year virtual high school available in Carroll, Gallatin, Henry, Owen and Trimble Counties. Two students from New Horizon Academy also help comprise the first We Lead CS graduating class.
“We could not be more excited to begin this school year,” We Lead CS CEO Alicia Sells said. “We have a group of extraordinarily bright students who are poised to learn from some of the best STEM educators in the Bluegrass.”
Eric Gray will serve as the Director of Virtual Learning, after teaching computer science at iLEAD Academy. Prior to his teaching career, Eric Gray worked in tech for more than two decades in both the private and public sectors as a computer programmer, analyst and engineer.
“As an educator, the We Lead CS model is attractive because of its life-changing impact on students,” Eric Gray noted. “Our team is prepared to help We Lead CS students reach their goals and succeed in the classroom and workforce.”
Jenna Gray, the former Director of iLEAD Academy and teacher who has won multiple awards for her work, will serve as the Director of Student Success. Prior to her time with iLEAD Academy, Jenna Gray worked as a STEM educator with Owen County Public Schools.
“In the past, opportunities to acquire the needed skills for a career in computer science were very limited in Kentucky,” Jenna Gray noted. “With We Lead CS, we can provide instruction to a group of students or a single student no matter where they live. That means that opportunities will no longer have to be defined by availability of a teacher or class at a physical location.”
We Lead CS is a national model and will offer students the opportunity to earn dual credits in computer science (secondary and post-secondary) and a fast pass to a new career in all 120 Kentucky counties. Equally as important, graduates will still attend and be awarded diplomas from their local high school.
As an added bonus, We Lead CS students will be able to connect with some of the largest employers in the region made possible by a groundbreaking partnership with the INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping students explore the rich IT industry in northern Kentucky.
“To be the best, you must learn from the best. Students will be able to do just that because of this life-changing partnership,” Sells said. “Students will be connected with internships, mentors and hear directly from industry leaders. Talk about a win-win for Kentucky students, families, businesses and the economy.”
Parents, students and school districts interested in learning more about We Lead CS can visit weleadcs.org.
