LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) on Monday cut the ribbon at the Elev8 Student Learning Center, the first of three centers the district plans to open.

The after-school center will accommodate up to 250 students in grades K-12 who live in West Louisville and need additional academic support.

“The Future State of JCPS includes additional instructional time,” Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said. “I’m proud that the Elev8 Student Learning Centers will provide targeted support and  increased learning time for students that is engaging and located right in their neighborhood.”

The center will be staffed by retired teachers who will offer additional instruction, targeted tutoring, career support and enrichment opportunities, JCPS said in a news release. In addition to tutoring and hands-on learning, students will also be exposed to activities related to STEAM – science, technology, engineering, the arts and math.

The district hired Ebony Booker as the principal of the West Louisville center, located at 2500 West Broadway. She'll also lead the student learning centers planned for the Newburg and Smoketown neighborhoods.

Students in five West Louisville zip codes are being invited to the first Elev8 location, which will be open for students from 2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. each weekday. When the school year ends, it'll be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. in June.

JCPS officials said the center’s programming is aimed at students whose academic progress, particularly in reading and math, has been impacted by chronic absenteeism.  

“I’m excited to see this project come to fruition,” said Alicia Averette, assistant superintendent for academic support programs and special populations. “Elev8 Student Learning Centers will provide academic and enrichment opportunities for students in a fun, engaging and inviting environment.”