This article is part of LINK’s 2025 Back-To-School Guide. Find everything you need to know to start the school year off right here.
With the start of school just around the corner in Northern Kentucky, several of the region’s educational institutions are offering college-and-career readiness programs to help jumpstart students’ post-high school ambitions.
These programs, offered by local universities, school districts and community groups, give students opportunities for dual credit courses, career exploration resources, individual coaching and practical work experiences.
For LINK nky’s digital education guide, we have highlighted five Northern Kentucky-based college and career readiness programs that are helping prepare students for life after graduation.
Northern Kentucky University School-Based Scholars
Northern Kentucky University’s School-Based Scholars program enables high school students to begin earning college credits toward an undergraduate degree while still in high school. The program is the university’s flagship dual-credit program.
The program, open to public, private and homeschooled students, enables them to earn NKU college credits in three ways: through their high school, online through NKU’s virtual learning platform, or on campus alongside traditional college students at the Highland Heights campus.
Furthermore, university tuition is available at a notably lower rate, making it a cost-effective option for students to earn credits. Many students also qualify for extra financial aid through the Kentucky Dual Credit Scholarship, which can cover up to two courses annually at no expense to families.
The School-Based Scholars program focuses on general education subjects, including English, history, math, psychology and public speaking. These courses not only earn college credits but also contribute to students’ high school diplomas. Additionally, many credits earned through the program can be easily transferred to other higher education institutions throughout the state of Kentucky.
Campbell County Area Technology Center
Campbell County’s Area Technology Center is one of Northern Kentucky’s premier high school technical training programs, offering 11th and 12th-grade students the opportunity to earn credits toward a technical degree.
Located on the Campbell County High School campus, the ATC offers programs in automotive technology, auto body repair, carpentry, electrical technology, health sciences, masonry, and welding.
Through providing practical, technical training, the ATC offers students an alternative to traditional college, enabling them to learn a valuable trade. ATC classrooms feature a variety of hands-on learning stations, allowing students to experience operating in a real workstation and gain the satisfaction of completing a task while still in school.
Students from nearby districts such as Fort Thomas Highlands, Dayton, Bellevue, Newport and Pendleton County are eligible to attend classes at the ATC.
Gateway Community & Technical College dual credit
Like NKU, Gateway Community & Technical College offers a robust dual-credit program for high school students throughout the region.
The program includes both general education courses, such as English, history, math, science and public speaking, as well as career-oriented technical pathways like healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, trades and business. Gateway’s courses are aligned with KCTCS Dual Credit Pathways, ensuring that credits transfer toward in-demand degrees or credentials.
What makes Gateway’s program enticing is the affordability aspect. Students can earn essential college credits at discounted rates, helping them save money on their education while gaining skills. Many students qualify for the Kentucky Dual Credit Scholarship or Work Ready Kentucky funding, which further reduces costs.
To advance in their degree programs, many students complete their required undergraduate courses through Gateway, earning an associate’s degree after two years, and then transfer the credits to a larger, four-year university within Kentucky. Ultimately, this pathway saves students money in the long run.
Ignite Institute Work-based Learning
The Ignite Institute, a STEAM-focused high school located in Erlanger, requires senior students to complete an academic internship or capstone project in their chosen career field.
Students can accumulate 400 or more hours of work-based learning through an internship, co-op program or an approved workplace immersion related to their selected career pathway. The program is a key part of the school’s goal to graduate students who are academically equipped, professionally experienced and prepared for their careers.
Ignite collaborates with local employers, colleges, and community organizations to find and carefully select valuable placements. These partners include St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, Gravity Diagnostics, NKU, Gateway and various regional tech and design companies.
Each placement is guided by a workplace mentor who provides students with real-time support to make sure the experience is educational and helps achieve their career objectives.
NaviGo Prep at Learning Grove
NaviGo Prep at Learning Grove is the college-and career-readiness division of Learning Grove, a nonprofit education organization based in Covington.
Through in-house tools like the VIA Character Strengths Survey and YouScience aptitude assessments, NaviGo offers personalized coaching, assessments, and planning to help middle and high school students discover their interests and strengths, then translate these plans into post-secondary plans.
Furthermore, the NaviGo Scholars Program connects high school students to local companies in healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and mental health fields. Selected students join employer-sponsored cohorts, where they receive mentoring, internships, soft skills training, and occasional scholarships. The program connects classroom education with practical career experiences.
