Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) has opened its second Elev8 Learning Center to help students who need additional academic support. Elev8 Newburg’s first day of operation was Monday, December 16, 2024.
“Elev8 will provide additional instruction and creative learning time for hundreds of students in Newburg and nearby neighborhoods,” said Dr. Marty Pollio, JCPS superintendent. “This is part of our ongoing commitment to provide more support for the students and families who need it the most.”
Elev8 Newburg is located inside the Newburg Boys & Girls Club building which has been renovated to include brightly colored walls and graphics, six classrooms, an education room, STEM learning area, and a teachers’ room where they can meet with parents/guardians. The 6,800 square feet of space also features a portrait of former University of Louisville and NBA star Wesley Unseld, who grew up in the Newburg neighborhood. Elev8 is open 12 - 8 p.m. Monday through Friday with students in the building from 2:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Newburg center is being led by co-principals Dorcas James and Kenneth Black, both of whom are retired JCPS principals. Newburg’s teachers are offering targeted tutoring, college and career support and enrichment opportunities to make learning fun and exciting. In addition to receiving reading and math tutoring and hands-on learning, students will also be exposed to activities related to STEAM – science, technology, engineering, the arts and math - some of which are provided by the Kentucky Science Center staff. Students also receive a meal.
Sixty JCPS students who live in Newburg and surrounding areas have been invited to Elev8. JCPS is targeting students who are chronically absent from school, failing three or more classes, or not meeting reading and math benchmarks on statewide tests.
“The goal is to help these students get back on track through engaging learning activities,” said Dr. Alicia Averette, assistant superintendent for student support services. “We are also providing support for their families to ensure that barriers to school attendance are removed so these students are in school as well as getting the extra after-school help they need at Elev8.”
JCPS’ new Elev8 Learning Center joins one that opened nearly three years ago on West Broadway. The West Louisville center has provided after-school educational programming for more than 360 K-12 students since it opened in April, 2022.
Elev8 West Louisville teachers have been coordinating with students’ dayside teachers to ensure students are using their time at Elev8 to complete projects or assignments they missed in school. The program is working. For students who have been regularly attending Elev8 West Louisville, grades and attendance at their regular school has improved. Averette said she expects similar results from students who attend Elev8 Newburg.