Read Ready is inviting families in Bellevue, Covington, Dayton, Ludlow, Newport and Southgate to build a love of reading and learning through the Mayors’ Fall Into Reading Challenge, running through October.

The challenge features two age-based tracks that encourage families to read, play and learn together throughout October. Participants can earn weekly prizes and recognition, and families that meet their goals for all four challenge weeks will be entered to win a Fall Family Literacy Basket.

“Helping children become confident learners starts with the everyday moments families share such as reading a story, singing a song or exploring through play,” said Dr. Jenny Watson, vice president of early learning and family power at EducateNKY. “This challenge gives families simple ways to make those moments part of their routine, with encouragement from their mayors and communities every step of the way.”

Read more in the NKY Tribune here. 

EducateNKY has named Kim Caniff its strategic support coordinator, adding an experienced communications and community engagement professional to support the organization’s work on behalf of Northern Kentucky children and families.

In the role, Caniff will help coordinate organizational priorities, strengthen connections with community partners and support initiatives designed to improve outcomes for children across the region.

“Kim brings the combination of communications expertise and relationship-building ability that this work demands,” said Cheye Calvo, president and CEO of EducateNKY. “Our progress depends on bringing people together around shared goals and turning strong ideas into meaningful action. Kim will help us strengthen those connections and move our work forward.”

Read more in the NKY Tribune here. 

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.