student and educator portal
Vicki Phillips Program
As the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a new narrative around the cultural and intellectual excellence that continues to spring forth from Kentucky, Kentucky to the World works to create new ways to support students, teachers, youth educational leaders, and other educators with engaging, standards-based learning opportunities.
Our programs are designed to promote pride in your cultural and intellectual roots as Kentuckians in order to help middle and high school students to become “college or career ready, ” and to assist college and university students to accept their emerging roles as citizens in a changing world.
During this time when so much learning is taking place remotely, we’ve worked hard to adjust the format of our student program to continue supporting educational initiatives in the digital space.
And the most exciting new aspect of our digital program is that YOU get to help us create them.
Tom O’Connell Student Program
In October 2024, Kentucky to the World hosted Tom O’Connell in Louisville and Bowling Green for a unique demonstration, presentation and program. Tom is a Louisville native and is known for his stunt double roles as the Darth Vader and the Heavy Mandalorian.
Initially aiming to become an astronaut or NASA engineer with his computer engineering degree from the University of Alabama Huntsville, his unconventional path led him from engineering to becoming a figure in film and television. His background in stagecraft gives him an edge, allowing him to embody various characters. This skilled swordsman and katana practitioner brings authenticity to his action sequences, captivating audiences with his precision and finesse. Additional expertise in horseback riding adds a rugged charm to his on-screen presence as a range of characters, from rugged cowboys to daring adventurers.
Beyond the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, Tom remains grounded in his roots, still maintaining ties to the STEM world. His engineering background landed him gigs rigging stunts for blockbuster films like Avatar: The Way of Water and Avatar 3.
Tom enjoys teaching aspiring students how to set up shop for film and construct stunts, knowing it can open up a whole new world for them. His presentations encourage audience interaction, often seeking volunteers to participate in demonstrations. As he shares his career path, students enjoy a glimpse into behind-the-curtain work in Hollywood. He emphasizes that stage combat vastly differs from street fighting, highlighting the techniques required for on-screen realism.
The exclusive student briefing was held at the Speed Art Museum followed by a live, public program at 6:30 p.m. This program included students from Trinity High School, duPont Manual J&C, Phoenix School, Simmons College of Kentucky: Black Film Institute, and Marion C. Moore School.
Students who attend the student briefing from can also attend the public program. You can learn more about the public program here.
Photos from the Student Program at the Speed Art Museum - September 25, 2024
Dana Canedy Student Program
Our February 2021 student program presents Dana Canedy, a former New York Times, and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.
Ms. Canedy has written extensively on a broad range of topics, including The Times series “How Race Is Lived in America,” which won the 2001 Pulitzer Prize for national reporting.
Most recently, she left her position as administrator for The Pulitzer Prizes to become the first African American senior vice president and publisher of the internationally renowned publishing company, Simon & Schuster.
To view Kentucky to the World’s Student Program with Dana Canedy on YouTube, click here.
To accompany the Speaker Series Program, Kentucky to the World has created a hands-on curriculum for educators and students. For more information, click the button below.
KENTUCKY TO THE WORLD ILLUSTRATED PLAYING CARDS
To further highlight the enormous contributions from figures connected to the Commonwealth, Kentucky to the World has created illustrated playing cards that feature people you know and people you should know. Learn more about how these extraordinary individuals are changing the narrative on Kentucky.
STUDENT & EDUCATOR GROUP TICKETING PROCESS
When available, Kentucky to the World invites you and your students, free of charge, for a unique opportunity to interact with our speakers and guests.
In order to provide the best service to you and your students, we ask that you follow the procedures and provide the information outlined below. This information will be updated for each available event.
If you and your students are interested in attending, we ask you to register by completing the Google Form by the pre-determined date (varies for each available event), including your name and contact information, the name of your school or organization, the expected number of student attendees, plus the names of chaperones.
Students will not be issued a ticket in advance. Student tickets, along with those of their adult chaperones and teachers, will be held at the KTW Welcome Table and issued to the group upon arrival. We strongly suggest the group’s chaperones be with the students upon arrival no later than the established time to pick up their tickets.
All tickets for you, the chaperones and your students are free of charge.
For questions about student, family or group tickets, please contact David Thurmond at david@kentuckytotheworld.org.
