Students turn ideas into action at BGKY Ambassadors Academy graduation
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (WNKY) – A group of Western Kentucky University students is taking what they’ve learned in the classroom and putting it into practice—through projects designed to make a lasting impact on the Bowling Green community.
The inaugural class of the BGKY Ambassadors Academy graduated Wednesday, wrapping up a program focused on leadership, civic engagement, and strengthening connections between students and downtown Bowling Green.
Program coordinator Telia Butler says the academy was built to bridge a gap between campus life and the surrounding community.
“So in order to better connect students to downtown, part of this whole program was to have them build these special projects,” Butler said. “They found a need in the downtown community that wasn’t being met and presented ideas for ways to improve downtown… all kinds of opportunities to make the downtown experience a better place.”
Those ideas took shape through capstone projects, where students developed solutions ranging from public art initiatives to accessibility improvements and community engagement efforts.
Student Nico Lundy said the hands-on approach helped make community involvement feel more approachable.
“Our group was really intentional about wanting to do something that was like… too theoretical,” Lundy said. “We really just wanted to do a wholesome project… you can just paint a mural and have fun with your community, and that’s being involved in your community.”
For many participants, the program also provided a clearer path to making a difference locally.
Brandon Brion, a senior from Bowling Green, said the academy offered something he hadn’t found elsewhere.
“This program itself has really… gave me the actual methods, the methodology to actually help my community,” Brion said.
Students say the experience also helped them connect their academic work to real-world applications.
“It gives me an opportunity to take what I’ve learned from the classroom and actually apply it to the community that I’ve called home,” said senior Sarah McClanahan.
Organizers hope the program will encourage more students to stay in Bowling Green after graduation, contributing to the city’s growth and development.
Student Jackson Houchens said the academy reinforced his commitment to the area.
“I think it shows a level of dedication to wanting to stay in this area,” Houchens said. “Businesses want to hire someone that’s wanting to stay for a long time.”
With its first class complete, organizers say the BGKY Ambassadors Academy is just getting started, aiming to continue building a pipeline of young leaders invested in the future of Bowling Green.
