Craft Academy graduate earns national leadership award
Since her graduation from the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics at Morehead State University, Katie Black (Class of 2025) has pursued opportunities to strengthen her leadership skills. The unique STEM+X educational experience at Craft prepared her to study management information systems at Marshall University, and she can now add a national leadership role to her growing list of accomplishments.
Black has been selected as a Team Leader for the Seeds Training Youth Leadership Delegation in Washington, D.C. There, she will serve as staff supporting more than 150 students at a national conference, leading a home team of 12-15 students, providing guidance, facilitating activities and fostering meaningful engagement. Black will also co-lead a larger project team, collaborating with students to develop a final presentation while cultivating a positive and supportive environment. This experience will take place during the annual National Council for Community and Education Partnerships Youth Leadership Summit (NCCEP YLS) in summer 2026.
In fall 2025, Black was selected to participate in Kentucky's Council on Postsecondary Education's (CPE) inaugural Student Access Summit. Alongside GEAR UP KY staff, school partners and fellow students both past and present, she contributed to a panel discussion focused on navigating the transition from high school to postsecondary education. As both a former GEAR UP KY and Craft Academy student, Black brought valuable insight and firsthand experience to the conversation.
Following a winter break shadowing experience with CPE, Black was selected for a Summer 2026 internship with the CPE data team.
The Craft Academy for Excellence in Science & Mathematics is a dual-credit academy for academically exceptional Kentucky students. Craft Academy provides students with a postsecondary residential experience to complete their junior and senior years of high school 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, visit the Craft Academy website, email craftacademy@moreheadstate.edu or call 606-783-2093.
