Ashland Community and Technical College partners with Greenup County Schools for Jesse Stuart Institute

Ashland Community and Technical College and Greenup County Schools have partnered for a new dual-credit opportunity for high school students called the Jesse Stuart Institute. Students will be able to earn an associate degree from Ashland Community and Technical College by taking 20 college courses via one of several course delivery options while still in high school. The opportunity will be available to 20 students in this first cohort.

According to an article on Ashland Community and Technical College’s website, Vicki McGinnis, who is the Dual Credit Coordinator at ACTC, was quoted as saying of the Jesse Stuart Institute, “Dual credit is a chance for high school students to challenge themselves and see what it is like to take a college course. We look forward to enhancing our partnership with Greenup County and providing this opportunity for students willing to take on the challenge of full-time college work in high school.”

Participating students will be able to choose how they want to attend their Ashland Community and Technical College classes: in-person on ACTC’s campus, in-person at Greenup County High School, online, or a hybrid option, with classes taking place both on campus and online. They will be able to earn an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts degree after completing 20 college courses, and the cost to participate will be negligible or free to the high schoolers who wish to pursue the opportunity.

Kameron Greenslate, who is a guidance counselor at Greenup County High School, said of the Jesse Stuart Institute’s origins, “Greenup County Schools have turned a huge page, with many exciting things happening in recent years. When it comes to academics, what better shining beacon for Greenup County students than Jesse Stuart, who was an educator in our district. Naming this institute after him is a nod to his championing for education. He laid a solid foundation for education, and we wouldn’t be here and be able to innovate in the ways we are for our students without his legacy.” 

The principal of Greenup County High School, Anthony Thompson, added, “In education, sometimes progress can move at a frustratingly moderate pace,” said Greenup County High School principal, Anthony Thompson. “It isn't very often that schools get an opportunity to position their students for giant academic leaps. That is exactly what is happening for GCHS with the Jesse Stuart Institute. Students in our region can now have access to a Craft or Gatton Academy style experience without leaving home. It is as close to a grand slam as you can get without heading to the Great American Ballpark.”

For more information about Ashland Community and Technical College, visit the school’s website.