Greg Ash's path to becoming the Academy Coach at Doss High School wasn't a straight line. With over 25 years in business and marketing, Mr. Ash had a successful career in industry. But a seed of change had been planted long ago, waiting for the right moment to grow.

That moment came when Mr. Ash read Rick Warren's "A Purpose-Driven Life." The book ignited a long-held desire to make a difference in education. "Grinding away every day, you don't get that fulfillment that comes from working with students," he reflects on his calling to become an educator.

Now in his eighth year at Doss High School and second as Academy Coach, Mr. Ash's industry experience has proven invaluable in championing the Academies model.

From Industry to Education: A Purpose-Driven Journey

At Doss High School, the Academies model offers students a unique blend of college preparation and career exploration. Mr. Ash emphasizes both hard and soft skills, advocating for:

• Real-world experiences

• Training in soft skills (job applications, resume writing, mock interviews, etc.)

• Exploration of high-demand fields

This approach is making a difference. A 2021 PBS NewsHour story highlighted Doss students thriving in the Academies of Louisville. Jaquez Neal, then a senior, enthused, "I want to be hands-on. So once I learned that we got a lab, I was intrigued. I was happy. No hesitation. I was like, yes, get me in there, get me in there."

Mr. Ash proudly notes that the Academies "have helped a lot of kids along the way."

Real-World Experience at Class Act Federal Credit Union

Students in the Business and Education Academy can work at an accredited credit union branch within the school. After two weeks of paid summer training with Class Act Federal Credit Union, they start the school year serving actual customers, gaining invaluable experience in customer service and communication. Students can receive class credit for working in the credit union, and some students even choose to work outside of school hours for pay.

A State-of-the-Art Assembly Line at School

The Technology, Engineering, and Construction (TEC) Academy boasts a working assembly line donated by GE Appliances. This state-of-the-art lab replicates the lines used at GE's Manufacturing Training Center. Students graduate with industry certifications, opening doors to entry-level positions with area manufacturers.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Student Voice

Greg Ash's journey from industry professional to education innovator embodies the spirit of the Academies at Doss High School. By bridging the gap between traditional education and real-world experience, Mr. Ash and the Academies are not just preparing students for the future – they're helping them shape it. As he looks to the future, his plans are ambitious:

• Strengthen and expand business partnerships

• Incorporate student voice in promoting the Academies model

• Share the successes of Doss Academies with a broader audience

Through these efforts, Mr. Ash aims to build on the Academies' success, ensuring that more students can benefit from this innovative educational approach.

As Doss High School continues to evolve and grow under Mr. Ash's guidance, one thing is clear: the impact of this purpose-driven approach will be felt for generations to come.