The Kentucky Department of Education presented a new student-led promotional project on Aug. 11 aimed at highlighting the importance of Individual Learning Plans, or ILPs, for middle and high school students.

During the Superintendents Webcast, KDE leaders unveiled the ILP Video Showcase, developed by members of the 2025-2026 Commissioner's Student Advisory Council. An ILP is a comprehensive framework for advising students in grades 6-12 to engage in coursework and activities that prepare them for college and career success.

The project invites students across Kentucky to submit videos ranging from 30 seconds to 2 minutes demonstrating how the ILP helps them explore careers, set goals and plan for their futures. Student members of the advisory council produced an introductory video promoting the showcase to encourage participation.

According to the Kentucky Department of Education, ILPs are designed to help students bring together their academic achievements, extracurricular experiences and career and education exploration activities. The platform enables students, parents, teachers and counselors to work together to develop a personalized course of study aligned with students' individual needs and career aspirations.

State law requires all Kentucky students in grades 6-12 to develop and update an Individual Learning Plan annually. The system integrates career exploration tools, portfolio features and resume builders to support student college and career readiness.

The video showcase project is scheduled to begin after the start of the 2026-2027 school year. KDE encourages district staff, school leaders, education partners and legislators to promote participation in the initiative.