Craft Academy students expand learning through travel

Students from the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics at Morehead State University spent their spring break exploring history, government, political science, and culture.

Travel is an important part of the Craft Academy experience, with each grade level participating in trips designed to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. Junior students traveled to Washington, D.C., where they explored major historical landmarks, museums and monuments while gaining a deeper understanding of U.S. history, government, and civic engagement.

Senior students traveled to Paris, immersing themselves in global history, art, and culture while experiencing life in a new environment. During the trip, students also explored topics related to European science policy and international perspectives on innovation and research.

“These trips are designed to enhance learning beyond the classroom and provide students with memorable, hands-on educational opportunities,” said Jennifer Shaw (Class of 2010, 2014, 2020), student activities & event coordinator.

According to Shaw, the two travel experiences are intentionally different, giving students opportunities to develop both national and global perspectives during their time on campus. While the Washington, D.C., trip focuses on civic engagement and American history, the Paris experience encourages students to broaden their cultural awareness and understanding of the world around them.

The trips also help students build confidence, independence and adaptability by placing them in new environments and encouraging them to engage directly with the people, places and ideas they study in the classroom.

“The Washington, D.C. trip will continue to be the annual experience for junior students. For seniors, international travel will also continue because next year’s senior class is scheduled to travel to Costa Rica. These opportunities are intentionally planned to give students both national and international perspectives during their time at Craft Academy,” Shaw said.

The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics is a dual-credited academy for academically exceptional Kentucky students. Craft Academy provides students with a postsecondary residential experience to complete their junior and senior high school years by enrolling in college courses. The Craft Academy aims to meet the unique educational needs of the Commonwealth's academically gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. The academic rigor of the Craft Academy challenges students to excel at their highest level through project-based STEM+X courses and hands-on learning experiences emphasizing innovation, design, creativity, and civic and regional engagement.

To learn more about the program, contact the academy at craftacademy@moreheadstate.edu or 606-783-2093.