A KEEN idea is taking shape in Kentucky and a unique partnership is being developed between the Commonwealth's school system and the Transportation Cabinet.

Through a program known as the Kentucky Engineering Exposure Network (KEEN), engineers employed with the Cabinet visit schools throughout the state to discuss the applications of math and science in daily situations and the opportunities and challenges available to students in the field of engineering.

KEEN provides an opportunity for both the Cabinet and local schools to work together, and allows Transportation Cabinet engineers to contribute to the students within their own communities. In addition, the KEEN Program follows many of the same concepts which are now required under Kentucky's Education Reform Act, including the Common Core of Learning concept and the application of basic skills in math and science as they relate to real life situations.

"The topic was extremely interesting and
the presentation was simple enough for the students to answer the questions posed to them, but it also developed their thinking skills and encouraged them to further investigate the topic. The students were going home to quiz and impress their parents by all that was learned." 

-Linda Sorrell,
a fifth grade teacher at Florence Elementary School in Boone County, Kentucky

The KEEN Program in Kentucky began in 1991 as a result of efforts by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials' Task Force on Recruitment and Retention of Transportation Professionals and was the first of its type in the entire nation. Since its implementation, the program has reached over 68,000 students throughout the Commonwealth.