From creating videos and digital artwork to mentoring younger students and working on community projects, Adair County High School’s Student Technology Leadership Program gives students a chance to use their skills outside the classroom.
Known as STLP, the program allows students to explore technology, work together and develop leadership skills. Under the direction of media arts teacher and sponsor Kelly Grant, the club has grown from seven students last year to 40 this year.
“The biggest benefit is that students get to take what they’re learning and actually use it,” Grant said. “They’re not just completing an assignment for a grade. They’re creating projects, solving problems, working with other students, and learning skills they can carry with them long after high school.”
Established in 1994, STLP gives students opportunities to showcase their work through district, regional and state competitions. Events include photography, video production, animation, digital art, coding and robotics.
One of the program’s biggest events is the Kentucky STLP State Championship, held at Central Bank Center and Rupp Arena in Lexington. Students from across the state attend to present projects and compete in different categories.
Last year, Adair County students took four projects to the state championship. The program also earned Gold Status this year, an accomplishment Grant hopes to build on.
“I think it shows that students are excited about the opportunities STLP offers,” Grant said.
For Grant, one of the best parts of sponsoring the program is seeing students become more confident in their abilities.
“My favorite part is watching the students surprise themselves,” Grant said. “I love seeing a student come in with a little idea, not really knowing what to do with it, and then watching that idea turn into something they’re genuinely proud of.”
Students also have opportunities to take on leadership roles and work with others, including through a new partnership with Adair County Elementary School. High school students help younger students develop technology skills and prepare for their own STLP competitions.
The club has also started projects that involve the community. One current project is selling Adair County car flags that attach to a vehicle’s window track. The flags are available to anyone wanting to show their Adair County pride.
Through projects like these, students get experience working together, promoting their ideas and putting what they learn into practice.
Grant said students do not need to have previous experience with technology to join. She encourages anyone willing to learn, try new things and work with others to get involved.
“I wish more people knew that STLP isn’t just about computers or technology. It’s about students using technology to do something meaningful,” Grant said. “These kids have ideas, talents, and abilities that sometimes go unnoticed. STLP gives them a place to put those things to work.”
Grant hopes the program continues to grow and that more local businesses and community members get involved by supporting student projects, sharing ideas and giving students opportunities to use their skills.
“At the end of the day, STLP isn’t just about teaching students how to use technology. It’s about helping them discover what they’re capable of doing with it,” Grant said.
