Kentucky teachers, students sample college-level economics through new Center collaboration

(March 28, 2017) LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A new collaboration between the McConnell Center and FreedomTrust will allow Kentucky teachers and students to sample college-level economics and philosophy through lectures, economic experiments and discussion.
Kentucky teachers, students sample college-level economics through new Center collaboration

“We are excited about the potential of this partnership,”  said Dr. Gary Gregg, director of the McConnell Center. “Economics is one of the areas in which teachers have asked us to provide professional development opportunities for them. This partnership with FreedomTrust will allow us to help Kentucky teachers and students better understand and discuss economic issues and principles." 

This innovative program brings together Kentucky civics teachers with their peers from across the country to study topics such as “The American Experience,” “The Basics of Economics,” “Why Trade?” and “Understanding Taxation.” Kentucky teachers from the following districts will participate: Barbourville Independent School System; Bullitt County (Bullitt East HS); Jackson County HS; Jefferson County (Doss and Eastern HS); Jessamine County (West Jessamine HS); Spencer County (Spencer County MS); and Union County (Union County HS). 

Kentucky high school students from both Trimble County High School and Holy Cross High School will visit the University of Louisville and the U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sec. Elaine L. Chao Archives. Students will engage in discussion and economic experiments with college professors on topics such as: “The Knowledge Problem,” “Limitations on Markets,” and “Human Behavior in the Economy.” Additionally, FreedomTrust will visit West Jessamine High School and Union County High School during their Kentucky visit. 

Led by Dr. James Harrigan, director of academic programs at Strata, and Dr. Antony Davies, associate professor of economics at Duquesne University, these programs will be held at the McConnell Center March 24 to March 28. In discussing the partnership with the McConnell Center, Dr. Harrigan said, “We are pleased to return to Kentucky this spring and to work with such an accomplished institution like the McConnell Center as we pilot new ways to reach teachers and students with economic education.” 

Created at UofL in 1991, the non-partisan McConnell Center prepares Kentucky's top undergraduate students to become future leaders; offers civic education programs for teachers, students and the public; and conducts strategic leadership development for the U.S. Army.