Middle schoolers to share ideas for future of learning at GRREC showcase

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – Middle school students from across the region will present their ideas for improving schools and learning during a showcase Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative Event Center.

The event is part of the Carnegie Future of Schools Institute, a partnership between the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative and the Center for Public Research and Leadership.

Students have spent several weeks studying real-world challenges in education while practicing civic dialogue, collaboration and problem-solving skills, according to organizers.

The showcase will be structured similarly to a science fair, with student teams presenting original projects, answering questions and engaging in conversations with community leaders, educators and guests. Visitors will be able to move between displays, hear presentations and provide feedback.

The program is designed to help students develop skills in listening across differences, weighing tradeoffs and proposing solutions to challenges facing schools and communities.

“We want students to see that their ideas matter and that communities are interested in hearing their perspectives,” said Dr. Savannah Denning, Learning Services Coordinator at GRREC. “This experience helps students connect classroom learning to real-world civic participation and community leadership.”

Lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. CST, with student presentations scheduled to start around noon at the GRREC Event Center in Bowling Green.