AdvanceKentucky

03/12/2026

“If you want to try something new, go in full throttle.” That mindset has shaped Sydney Newton’s work at Taylor County High School and helped lead to her being named a 2025 recipient of the $25,000 Milken Educator Award.

As she worked to expand access to AP English, Sydney sought out mentorship and professional learning through AdvanceKentucky to strengthen opportunities for her students.

Her impact speaks for itself. Read more:

KSTC congratulates AdvanceKentucky participant Sydney Newton of Taylor County High School on earning the Milken Educator Award.

02/19/2026

Mrs. Coleman is doing great things in her AP Calculus classroom! We are proud she is one of our teachers!

02/13/2026

Sydney Newton thought she was attending a celebration for vibrant learning. Instead, she heard her own name called. Newton was named a 2025 recipient of the $25,000 Milken Educator Award, often called the “Oscars of teaching.” She is the only Kentucky educator selected this year, an honor that reflects her leadership and impact.

We have had the privilege of working alongside Sydney through AdvanceKentucky as she expands access to AP coursework and opens new opportunities for her students.

👉 Read her story:

KSTC congratulates AdvanceKentucky participant Sydney Newton of Taylor County High School on earning the Milken Educator Award.

12/12/2025

Kentucky teachers: thank you for opening doors to computer science for your students. 💙
CS Ed Week is a great reminder that every student can learn CS, and every teacher can help make that possible.

If you’re celebrating this week, tag us—we’d love to share what your students are creating. And if you’re new to CS, we’re here to help with resources and professional learning you can use all year.

Start with an Hour of AI: https://csforall.org/en-US/hour-of-ai?utm_source=partner-utm&utm_medium=partner-utm[%E2%80%A6]=hour-of-ai&utm_term=103025hourofaipartner&utm_content=landing

12/10/2025

Looking for a low-lift way to join CS Ed Week?

Try an Hour of AI session. Even one activity helps students connect creativity, problem-solving and real-world tech.

No CS background needed—lessons are guided, flexible,and built for busy schedules.

You’ve got this. Your students will love it. 🙌

Activities here: https://csforall.org/en-US/hour-of-ai?utm_source=partner-utm&utm_medium=partner-utm[%E2%80%A6]=hour-of-ai&utm_term=103025hourofaipartner&utm_content=landing

Bring AI to life in your classroom. Join the Hour of AI and help students explore AI and CS through engaging one-hour activities.

12/09/2025

Kentucky is celebrating Computer Science Education Week with statewide momentum. 🎉

Gov. Andy Beshear proclaimed this week as Computer Science Education Month in Kentucky, recognizing how essential CS skills are for students’ futures and for the commonwealth’s growing innovation economy.

During , we’re inviting schools and educators across Kentucky to join the celebration by exploring computer science and AI with students. Whether you try an activity this week or spotlight student projects already happening in your classroom, your work is helping build opportunity for every learner.

Read more 🔽

https://www.kstc.org/post/computer-science-education-week-spotlights-kentucky-s-growing-cs-momentum

12/09/2025

Teachers, it’s Computer Science Education Week! 🎉
This year’s theme is “CS Powers AI Innovation,” and it’s the perfect time to try a short, engaging CS or AI activity with your students.

The Hour of AI site makes it easy, with free, classroom-ready lessons for all grades. Pick one, plug it in this week and celebrate with your students.

Explore Hour of AI activities: https://csforall.org/en-US/hour-of-ai?utm_source=partner-utm&utm_medium=partner-utm[%E2%80%A6]=hour-of-ai&utm_term=103025hourofaipartner&utm_content=landing
Find CS Ed Week events: csedweek.org/events

Bring AI to life in your classroom. Join the Hour of AI and help students explore AI and CS through engaging one-hour activities.

11/21/2025

11/11/2025

11/07/2025

With no chemistry teacher and no AP Chemistry class at his school, most students would have hit a dead end. But not Emerson Farrar. With support from staff at Bryan Station, he enrolled in a remote AP Chem course through AdvanceKentucky. He didn’t just get by; he thrived. Emerson:

📚 Scored a 5 on the AP exam
🎓 Earned a full-ride scholarship to Emory University
🔬 Declared chemistry as his major, inspired by the course

All thanks to a remote class, mailed lab kits and a teacher (shoutout to Lew!) who refused to let geography limit potential. This is what access can do.

Read Emerson’s full story: https://www.kstc.org/post/opening-doors-with-advanced-coursework-opportunities-the-story-of-emerson-farrar-lew-acampora

10/24/2025

What do a mailed chemistry lab kit, 50+ AP labs and former President Barack Obama have in common? They’re all part of Carlee O'Neal's remarkable journey.

At a rural Kentucky high school with limited resources, Carlee gained access to rigorous AP courses through AdvanceKentucky, which helped launch her path from student to intern to national scholarship recipient.

She didn’t just overcome barriers; she turned them into breakthroughs.

👉 Learn more about Carlee’s journey and perspective:https://www.kstc.org/post/from-ap-labs-to-global-leadership-how-access-to-advanced-coursework-in-rural-kentucky-opens-doors-t