Kentucky: Most Likely to Succeed?

By: Renee Boss

At The Fund for Transforming Education, we pride ourselves in leading innovation, and working with business leaders and educators to do so. Over the past few months, we’ve hosted screenings of the film, Most Likely to Succeed, to spark conversations about innovation in education. Many of you have joined us for these screenings, or have reached out for our assistance and support as you host screenings in your schools, universities and businesses. 

In addition to screening the film, we hosted Ted Dintersmith, producer of Most Likely to Succeed. Along with Rachel Belin at the Prichard Committee, we arranged for Mr. Dintersmith to visit two Kentucky schools, and to meet with a group of our partners and board members to discuss what we can do to accelerate the pace of innovation in education in Kentucky. Here’s what he had to say about his visit:

A few months ago, I committed to taking the film Most Likely To Succeed to all fifty states this school year. My very first state — not accidentally — was Kentucky. Many leaders in education told me I’d be really impressed by the vision and expertise of leaders there. I was lucky to connect with Renee Boss, of The Fund for Transforming Education, and Rachel Belin, an advisor to [the Prichard Committee’s] Student Voice Team, who pulled together a fabulous two-day visit for me, with screenings at two schools and meetings with the people who can and will lead Kentucky’s next big education transformation. What impressed me so much was the confidence exhibited by Kentuckians that, having made major strides over the past three decades, the state can lead our nation forward in transforming schools across the state to new and innovative models that prepare our kids for the 21st Century.

Mr. Dintersmith’s quote reinforces what we at The Fund already know: Kentucky leads the nation in transforming education, and we always have. However, this work cannot be done in a vacuum. It requires educators, business leaders, community members, legislators, parents and so many more to get involved. Are you ready to join us?

Share your ideas.

Join the conversation on Twitter using #KYInnovates about how we can move from talk to action as we shape the future of education for students in Kentucky. We want students to be not only college and career ready but innovation-era ready as well. You can also use this google form to provide input. 

Tell your stories.

Connect with us to share your local stories of innovation. We believe the more people see and hear stories of innovative work happening, the more they will be inspired and compelled to take action in their own schools and districts.

Host a screening.

Show Most Likely to Succeed in your school, district, workplace, or community. We can help with logistics and facilitation.

Invest in innovation.

Invest in The Fund, so that we can continue to spark conversation and support action to drive excellence in Kentucky’s public education system. A gift of $350 supports one screening of Most Likely to Succeed.