Kentucky Derby Museum completes mission to bring equine and Derby education
to students in each of the 120 Kentucky counties
Education Outreach Program celebrates completion of 15 year goal at Carroll County Middle School
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Since 2000, Kentucky Derby Museum’s Education Outreach Program has been on a mission to bring lessons in math, science, economics and history to students in each of Kentucky’s 120 counties, using the Kentucky Derby and the Thoroughbred racing industry as a fun hook. The Museum’s educators have made 933 school visits to 426 different schools across Kentucky. Overall, the Museum estimates the education team has seen nearly 370,000 students during all of its efforts in the Kentuckiana region.
The education team completed their “Quest for 120” last week with a visit to Carroll County. The education team presented “Science on the Track” to 6th graders at Carroll County Middle School. The school received a commemorative plaque and souvenir bookmarks to mark the milestone.
“To reach students with these dynamic, compelling educational programs across the entire great span of the Commonwealth is quite an accomplishment,” Kentucky Derby Museum President Patrick Armstrong said. “We are proud of our educational programming that enhances what students are learning in the classroom with the lessons that are unique to Kentucky and its heritage.”
Outreach offers free educational programs to schools and youth groups located at least 50 miles from Metro Louisville. Programs are age-appropriate and address Kentucky’s Academic expectations and Program of Studies guidelines covering subjects in math, science, social studies, arts and humanities. The programs rely heavily on student participation, encompassing a variety of different methods to reach children of all learning styles.
“This is our way to take the Derby to the kids who can’t travel to see us and teach them about what makes our state special culturally, historically and economically,” Heather Hill, Outreach Coordinator said. “We aren’t just lecturing them for 45 minutes. We’re interacting with these students. It leaves an impact on them.”
The Education Outreach Program thrived with long-time support from The Kentucky Thoroughbred Association. Now, the Museum’s education department is supported by the Kentucky Derby Museum Gala, the major fundraising event for the Kentucky Derby Museum’s endowment.
For more information about Education Outreach programs, as well as other educational opportunities with Kentucky Derby Museum click here
