Exceptional Children Services Program Receives 2026 Grissom Award

The Grissom Award is presented annually to Kentuckians or Kentucky organizations who demonstrate outstanding dedication to improving student achievement for students with disabilities. It recognizes leadership, commitment, and service in promoting instructional equity and closing the achievement gap for all children.

OCS was recognized for its work helping students with disabilities transition to postsecondary education and the workforce after high school. The district's college and career readiness (CCR) coach role has expanded services to every secondary student with an Individual Education Plan (IEP), building a coordinated transition pipeline that includes:

• Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS): Offered in partnership with the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, currently serving more than 130 students with IEPs and projected to exceed 200 with expansion to Oldham County High School.
• The After the Tassel Individualized Achievement Plan: Connects graduating seniors not pursuing college with full-time employment paying $15 or more an hour.
• Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Kentucky: Serves roughly 100 students through employability skills, leadership and career exploration.
• Student internships: Offer hands-on experience in HVAC, plumbing, electrical and diesel mechanics with OCS employees.

The district has also integrated virtual reality career exploration, Junior Achievement curriculum, and partnerships with Jefferson Community and Technical College and Future 42 into its transition programming. Work-based learning opportunities have expanded to include the Inspire to Hire Career Fair, Churchill Downs mini-internships, and experiences at Baptist Health LaGrange and Lynn Family Stadium. OCS has also held a series of parent workshops covering transition supports, employment, independent living, postsecondary pathways, financial planning, Medicaid and guardianship.

"Oldham County Schools Exceptional Children Services Department is honored to receive the Grissom Award from the Kentucky Department of Education," said Jennifer Hallas, OCS Director of Specialized Academic Programming. "This recognition reflects our district's commitment to ensuring every student has exceptional educational experiences that prepare every learner for a successful future. This achievement is the result of the collective work of our educators, staff, students, families and community partners. As a district, we will continue to lead with purpose, strengthen partnerships with families and pursue excellence in service to every child, every day."

KBE member Julie Pile, chair of the Awards Committee, praised the program for building "real pathways for students with disabilities" through individualized transition supports, career exploration and community partnerships.