EducateNKY’s 2026 Start of School Assistance initiative brought 73 community volunteers into Newport Primary, Newport Intermediate, John G. Carlisle and Ninth District Elementary during the first days of school.

Of those volunteers 47 were new to the program, expanding the numbers of community members who have now had the opportunity to experience River Cities schools firsthand. The students were the beneficiaries, as volunteers supported some of the busiest parts of the school day, helping with arrivals, lunch, recess, and dismissals, answering questions, helping students find their way, and providing school teams with an extra set of hands.

Read more the NKY Tribune here. 

As a new school year begins across Northern Kentucky’s River Cities, local school districts are opening their doors to more than just students.

Bellevue, Covington, Dayton, Ludlow, Newport and Southgate schools are welcoming families back through community celebrations, open houses, orientations and family engagement events designed to help students start the year prepared and connect families with teachers, staff and resources available throughout the school year.

The events reflect a shared commitment among the River City districts to make schools a central part of their communities and build strong relationships with families from the first day of the school year.

“Starting a new school year is about more than getting students back into classrooms. It’s about making sure our families feel welcomed, connected and supported,” said Greg Duty, Superintendent of the Southgate Independent School District.

Read more from NKY Tribune here. 

More than 100 Northern Kentucky middle school students are spending part of their summer on a college campus through an expanded College Bound Camp designed to inspire students to pursue higher education long before they enter high school.

Now in its second year, the program will serve 110 students this summer, including 55 incoming sixth graders and 55 incoming seventh graders from Northern Kentucky’s River City communities. Unlike a traditional summer camp, College Bound Camp follows the same group of students year after year, providing a multi-year experience that builds college awareness and confidence over time.

EducateNKY partners with Northern Kentucky University, Partners for Change and six River City school districts to deliver the program.

“Students begin forming ideas about their futures much earlier than many people realize,” said Cheye Calvo, president and CEO of EducateNKY. “When young people have the opportunity to experience a college campus and begin seeing themselves in higher education during middle school, we can help expand what’s possible for their future. This program gives students that opportunity while creating a long-term support system that grows alongside them.”

The program was created in response to a significant regional challenge. Across Bellevue, Covington, Dayton, Ludlow, Newport and Southgate, fewer than 40% of high school graduates enroll in college. Research shows early exposure to college campuses and structured academic support can increase college aspirations, enrollment and participation in advanced coursework.

College Bound Camp focuses on five key areas:

• Academic preparedness through activities that strengthen core skills while introducing students to GPA, course selection and college expectations.
• Leadership development that emphasizes teamwork, confidence, communication and goal setting.
• College and career exploration through direct interaction with NKU faculty and staff.
• Multi-year engagement, with students returning each summer to continue building on previous experiences.
• Family engagement that keeps parents and schools connected throughout the program.

District educators work alongside NKU faculty to develop curriculum, supervise students and help monitor long-term academic progress, allowing organizers to measure outcomes over time rather than offering a one-time enrichment opportunity.

“Preparing students for postsecondary success begins long before high school,” said Carolyn Noe, Senior Director, P-12 Programs at NKU). “By introducing students to college early and supporting them year after year, we’re helping them build the confidence, skills and aspirations needed to pursue higher education.”

Program organizers plan to continue expanding College Bound Camp by adding a new cohort of incoming sixth-grade students each year, extending summer programming and introducing near-peer mentoring opportunities that connect returning students with younger participants.

The long-term goal is to follow participating students through high school and beyond to better understand the program’s impact on academic achievement and college enrollment.

The Read Ready Network has named educator and family engagement leader Marshelle Watkins-Blackwell as its new director, bringing an experienced advocate for children and families to lead the region’s collaborative effort to improve early literacy and strengthen support systems for young learners across Northern Kentucky.

In her new role, Watkins-Blackwell will lead Read Ready’s work across NKY’s River Cities, coordinating partnerships among families, schools, healthcare providers, libraries, childcare centers, businesses, nonprofits and governments to ensure children enter kindergarten ready to learn and thrive.

Read more in the NKY Tribune.

EducateNKY’s Start of School Assistance (SOSA) initiative is returning this year to help students in Covington and Newport begin the school year feeling welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.

The first few days of school matter. For students, families, teachers, and school staff, the start of the year sets the tone for everything that follows. A smooth arrival, a friendly face, help finding the right classroom, or extra support during lunch and recess can make a meaningful difference for students as they settle into a new school year.

Through SOSA,  EducateNKY works with participating schools to place community volunteers where they can be most helpful during the first three days of school. Volunteer shifts are designed to be simple, structured, and meaningful, typically lasting about 90 minutes. Volunteers may help with arrival or departure, support classrooms, or assist during lunch and recess, depending on each school’s needs.

This year’s participating schools include John G. Carlisle Elementary and Ninth District Elementary in Covington, as well as Newport Primary and Newport Intermediate in Newport.

SOSA is also an important entry point for community members who want to support local schools but may not know where to begin. By giving just one morning of their time, volunteers can help students feel seen and supported while also building a deeper connection to the schools and communities EducateNKY serves.

“We know that strong schools are built through strong community partnerships,” said Tom Haggard, Vice President of Community Engagement and Advocacy at EducateNKY. “SOSA gives people a simple, hands-on way to show up for students, support educators, and be part of a positive start to the school year.”

EducateNKY is currently recruiting volunteers to fill shifts at participating schools. Businesses, civic organizations, nonprofit partners, faith communities, and individual community members are all encouraged to sign up and share the opportunity with their networks.

Volunteers must complete any required background check process before participating. School contacts will provide approved volunteers with specific details about where to park, where to check in, and what to expect during their shift.

By showing up during the first few days of school, volunteers help send a powerful message to students and families: this community believes in you, and we are here to support your success.

To volunteer for Start of School Assistance, sign up here.