Nelson County highlights new LaunchLab STEM program at OKH

Nelson County Schools staff on Sept. 23 gave the school board and public an overview of the college-and-career LaunchLab STEM program at OKH, previewed a ribbon-cutting event and described student participation and curriculum elements. District staff said the program blends literacy work with hands-on career modules and that about 120 students are currently enrolled this semester, with a projected 106 switching in the second semester for a combined 226 students participating across the school year.

Why it matters: The LaunchLab is part of the district’s early college and career exploratory offerings; staff said it exposes middle graders to roughly 32–33 different modules (students will not complete every module but engage deeply in at least one) and helps build foundational literacy and career-centered skills before high school.

Program staff and students led a short demonstration for the board; two students, identified as Nova and Gee, spoke about their experiences. Staff thanked Laura Arnold and Miss Hurst (named by staff as instrumental in launching and maintaining the lab) for setup and curriculum work, and invited the board and public to a ribbon-cutting scheduled for Thursday at 1 p.m.

Staff presented district data tied to early college and career pathways, noting about 72% of students engage in some form of early college and career exploratory course districtwide, and that some eighth-graders take Algebra I and high-school credit courses that may appear on a high-school transcript if students earn a C or better. The district also referenced a “pre‑ignite” pathway linking students to Nelson County and Thomas Nelson and described off-campus learning opportunities tied to local businesses and the airport.

Ending: District staff said the LaunchLab will continue to grow and that officials will host a ribbon-cutting to let the public see students working in deeper modules.