...accelerating learning
(formerly Computer Science Initiatives)
Supporting Educators in CS, AI, and Emerging Tech
Helping Kentucky schools prepare students for what's next
Our Mission
We support Kentucky educators and schools in delivering high-quality computer science, AI, and emerging technology education that prepares students for future-ready opportunities.
Our Programs
Artificial Intelligence Literacy and Readiness Program (AILRP)
A partnership between AdvanceKentucky (an initiative of the Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation) and Kentucky school districts to build educator AI readiness, integrate AI into instruction, strengthen literacy through AI-enabled strategies, and guide school-based AI goals and policy.
Program Goals
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Increase educator AI readiness through foundational AI literacy training, measured by pre- and post-program assessments
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Integrate AI into instruction as teachers develop and implement AI-integrated lessons in their content areas
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Strengthen literacy through classroom-tested AI-enabled strategies (feedback, scaffolding, differentiation)
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Build school-based AI leadership through cross-role teams setting AI goals via the SCRIPT planning process
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Develop AI policy and guidance as districts draft AI use, data privacy, and instructional policy frameworks
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Evaluate program impact through a summary report on outcomes and next steps
What AdvanceKentucky Provides
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Two-day SCRIPT strategic planning workshop
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Introduction to AI workshops for faculty (registration fees covered)
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Classroom coaching and instructional support
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Specialized AI professional development tracks
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Pre/post data analysis and a summary impact report
What Your District Provides
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Staff participation in scheduled workshops and PD
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Team roster and participation in the SCRIPT workshop
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Classroom access for coaching and observation visits
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Support for AI-integrated instructional strategies
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Participation in data collection; staff travel costs
Program Duration: One full academic year, from date of signature through the end of the school year — renewable by mutual agreement.
Data Privacy: Both parties comply with FERPA and Kentucky data privacy law. AdvanceKentucky does not store personally identifiable information without district approval.
Interested in bringing AILRP to your district? Contact Monique M. Rice, Director, Emerging Technology Education Initiatives (ETEI) — mrice@kstc.com
CS + Additive Manufacturing
Empowering Kentucky educators with 3D printing: this program bridges the skills gap by equipping K-12 teachers and support staff with the knowledge and tools of 3D printing and additive manufacturing, fostering creativity and innovation in classrooms and preparing students for the future of education and the workforce.
Who Qualifies
Kentucky public school teachers and support personnel — elementary, middle, or high school. No prior 3D printing experience is required, just a willingness to learn.
Participants Receive
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Full paid tuition to online, college-level Additive Manufacturing courses (up to three per year) through Somerset Community College/KCTCS: DPT 100, DPT 150, and DPT 281 — funded at no cost to participants
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A 3D printer and starter supplies for classroom use, plus access to online 3D printing activities and lesson plans
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Post-program approval to facilitate dual-credit additive manufacturing courses through a partnering KCTCS institution, fulfilling multiple Kentucky CTE pathways including the Additive Manufacturing pathway — and preparing high school teachers to support students pursuing CS, Engineering, and Manufacturing pathway completion
Interested in bringing CS + Additive Manufacturing to your district? Contact Monique M. Rice, Director, ETEI, or Dr. Sheri McGuffin, Manager of Development and Innovation — mrice@kstc.com | smcguffin@kstc.com
CS + Engineering
Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Career and Technical Education has partnered with AdvanceKentucky to offer Engineering by Design (EbD) Summer Institutes, providing curriculum access and training to middle and high school engineering and STEM teachers. Led by experienced Kentucky-based teachers, the institutes introduce EbD Engineering curriculum modules in Google Classroom through intensive lesson modeling and hands-on practice. This free curriculum is directly aligned to Kentucky Engineering Technology Education state standards.
Who Qualifies
Kentucky middle and high school engineering and STEM teachers.
Participants Receive
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Multi-day, in-person training (typically 4–5 days) on EbD curriculum modules — offerings have included EbD Engineering I & II, MS/7th-8th Grade EbD, and Manufacturing Engineering, depending on the year and region
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Discounted registration for Kentucky Engineering Technology Education Association (KETEA) members
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Breakfast and lunch included; travel and lodging support available (fully covered via scholarship for some regions/cohorts)
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Classroom materials in some years (e.g., micro:bit and Sphero Starter Kits)
Interested in bringing CS + Engineering to your district? Contact Monique M. Rice, Director, ETEI, or Dr. Sheri McGuffin, Manager of Development and Innovation — mrice@kstc.com | smcguffin@kstc.com
CodeAI (formerly Code.org) Professional Learning
As the CodeAI Regional Partner for the state of Kentucky, AdvanceKentucky provides professional learning for teachers across a full K-12 pathway — from foundational computational thinking to AP-level coursework — preparing them to bring CodeAI curricula into their classrooms.
Computer Science Fundamentals — Grades K-5: Six courses designed to be fun and engaging, blending online and "unplugged" non-computer activities to teach computational thinking, problem solving, programming concepts, and digital citizenship.
Computer Science Discoveries — Grades 6-10: An introductory course mapped to CSTA and Kentucky Academic CS standards, covering problem solving, programming, physical computing, user-centered design, and data — as students build their own websites, apps, animations, games, and physical computing systems. Teachers may earn the Kentucky Approval for Computer Science (ACS) by successfully completing a year-long program.
AI Foundations — Grades 9-12. Introduces students to the core principles of computer science and the growing role of artificial intelligence. Through hands-on Python programming, visual problem-solving, and critical analysis, students learn how computing systems work and how data powers AI, investigating cybersecurity, interpreting data, and examining AI's impact on individuals and communities.
(AP®) Computer Science Principles — Grades 9-12. Introduces foundational concepts of computer science and challenges students to explore how computing and technology impact the world — a rigorous, approachable curriculum beyond a traditional intro to programming. Teachers may earn the Kentucky Approval for Computer Science (ACS) by successfully completing a year-long program.
AP® Computer Science A — Grades 9-12. An Advanced Placement course designed to broaden participation in computer science, pre-approved to pass the AP audit. Teachers may earn the Kentucky Approval for Computer Science (ACS) by successfully completing a year-long program.
Program Resources
CSforAll SCRIPT
AdvanceKentucky has partnered with CSforAll to help school districts develop sustainable CSED plans using an informed, strategic approach in a 1-day or 2-day workshop model. Stakeholders from the local education system -- teachers, administrators, school leaders, etc. -- as well as members of the local community build the plan during the workshop in a way that shifts the ownership of the success of the CS education initiative from individual stakeholders to a dynamic system level.