Scholars
NaviGo Scholars: Connecting Industry with Future Talent
Through NaviGo Scholars, businesses in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky have a unique opportunity to connect with high school students who demonstrate both interest and potential in their industry.
Business sponsors engage directly with students—guiding them through career exploration and exposing them to the wide range of opportunities within their field. Applications open in August (for fall, spring, and year-long groups) and again in November (for spring-only groups). NaviGo promotes these opportunities through school and community networks, social media, email campaigns, and word of mouth. Sponsors then review applications and select the students for their customized Scholars group.
Each group meets twice a month with a dedicated coach—once at the sponsoring business location and once on a local community college campus. These sessions provide hands-on, real-world learning experiences that help students better understand career pathways within your industry.
What Sets This Program Apart: The NaviGo Coach
One of the key elements that makes NaviGo Scholars unique is the presence of a dedicated NaviGo Coach.
While students gain hands-on experience during their monthly on-site sessions, the coach is actively involved—learning alongside the students and serving as a vital liaison. They help ensure that the sponsor’s expectations around soft skills, workplace readiness, and company culture are fully integrated into the experience.
In addition, the coach meets with students once a month for focused coaching sessions, guiding them in setting meaningful goals and building a clear path toward their college and career aspirations.
Apply for Spring 2026 NaviGo Scholars Below
Whether you’re in Northern Kentucky/tri-state area or Central Kentucky, NaviGo Scholars has opportunities designed for you. These groups provide students with the chance to explore local industries and businesses while learning more about the wide range of careers available within those fields. Each listing below includes details about who is eligible to apply, how long the group meets, and which business sponsors are involved. When you find a group that interests you, simply click the link below the description to apply.
In addition to the spring Scholars opportunities below, there is also information about our December 13th St. Elizabeth- NaviGo Healthcare Careers in a Day! This one-day program also includes a NaviGo Coach for every 12-15 students.
Applications are open November12-December 3, 2025. Students will be notified via email on Monday, December 8th.
Artificial Intelligence/NKU
Sponsor: Eva & Oakley Farris, NKU College of Informatics
Read the details
Seeking:
- Freshman, Sophomores & Juniors with wide-ranging interests in tech or media
- Limited spots available!
Students will Explore & Experience:
- How to use generative AI tools
- How neural networks and AI systems are built
- How companies use AI in their businesses
- How AI will impact our world
Schedule:
- SPRING group meetst January -April
- Groups meet 2 times a month – Tuesdays, 4:30-6pm
- Meetings will be at Griffin Hall, NKU Campus
Selected students will learn about Artificial Intelligence from NKU faculty and industry professionals from local
companies. Scholars will also have a NaviGo Coach to provide career & college planning.
Questions? Please contact:
Jennie LaMothe
The BMW Store Automotive Careers
Sponsor: The BMW Store Cincinnati
Read the details
Seeking:
- Juniors & Seniors with an interest in discovering the full spectrum of automotive careers from sales to service
Students will Explore & Experience:
- Sales Strategies and Planning
- Management of Dealership Operations
- Parts Receiving and Distribution
- Aftersales Customer Service
- Technicians- entry-level to Master
- Training and educational opportunities for the varied career paths
Schedule:
- Spring 2x/month- Thursdays 4-5:30pm from January- April
- Meetings will be held on-site at The BMW Store in Cincinnati, OH and the Edgewood Gateway campus in NKY
Selected students will network with professionals in automotive careers with The BMW Store in Cincinnati. Scholars will also have a NaviGo Coach to provide career & college planning.
Questions? Please contact:
Jennie LaMothe
Read the details
Seeking:
- Sophomores & Juniors with a strong interest in business and entrepreneurship
Students will Explore & Experience:
- Idea Generation
- Business Planning
- Building a Framework
- Marketing
- Managing the Competition
- Growing and Scaling Your Business
Schedule:
- 2 Thursdays a month from 6:30-8pm
- Spring group meets January- April
- On-site at NKU and Gateway Edgewood Campus
Selected students will learn from successful entrepreneurs and creative business leaders. Scholars will also have a NaviGo Coach to provide career & college planning.
Questions? Please contact:
Jennie LaMothe
Learning Grove Education Careers
Sponsor: Learning Grove
Read the details
Seeking:
- Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors
- Interest in any level of education from early childhood – elementary- middle- high school- higher education (college level)
Students will Explore & Experience:
- Careers in teaching at various age levels, content areas, and specialties
- Careers in education administration at different levels
- Careers in higher education (college level)
Schedule:
- Meetings will be 2 nights a month
January-April, from 4:30-6:30pm - On-Site at Learning Grove in Covington
(333 Madison Ave, Covington)
Selected students will network with professionals in education from early childhood through college from the NKY region. Scholars will also have a NaviGo Coach to provide career & college planning.
Questions? Please contact:
Jennie LaMothe
Mental Health Careers
Sponsor: NKCES, Boone Co Fiscal Court, Campbell Co Fiscal Court, Kenton Co Fiscal Court
Read the details
Seeking:
- Sophomores & juniors with a strong interest in exploring mental health careers
Students will Explore & Experience:
- GROUP 1- focus on social work, addiction counseling, family counseling, pastoral counseling, art therapy
- GROUP 2- focus on psychology (school/private practice), psychiatric services, school counseling
Schedule:
- Choose the Group or Focus Area (Group 1
or 2) - 8 Sessions: (January- April) 4 sessions of NaviGo Coaching focusing on explortation of career and education, and 4 sessions & 4 sessions with mental health professionals in various fields
- Meetings will be held at Edgewood Gateway Campus, Edgewood, KY
Selected students will learn from mental health professionals in various fields. Scholars will also have a NaviGo Coach to provide career & college planning.
Questions? Please contact:
Jennie LaMothe
Skilled Trades & Construction
Sponsor: Cutter Construction & Building Industry Association
Read the details
Seeking:
- Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors with a strong interest in construction and skilled trades.
Students will Explore & Experience:
- Carpentry
- Electrical
- Plumbing
- Welding
- Maintenance
- HVAC
Schedule:
- 2x/month 5:30-7pm
- Spring (Jan.-April) meetings on
Wednesday nights - On-Site at Building Industry
Association (2751 Circleport Drive,
Erlanger), Gateway Edgewood
Campus, or other building sites
Selected students will learn from the best in the skilled trades! Scholars will also have a NaviGo Coach to provide career & college planning.
Questions? Please contact:
Jennie LaMothe
St. Elizabeth- NaviGo Healthcare Careers in a Day
We are excited to partner with St. Elizabeth to offer students a unique work-based learning experience in healthcare. Throughout the 2025–26 school year, five sessions will be offered, each tailored to a specific grade range.
What Students Will Experience
Students will participate in problem-based learning by analyzing case studies that mirror real-world patient experiences. Working in small groups with a NaviGo Coach, students will build collaboration and critical thinking skills while exploring careers in healthcare.
Fall 2025 Dates
- Saturday, December 13 – Juniors & Seniors (application open 11/12-12/3)
Spring 2026 Dates
-
Saturday, January 31- Freshmen & Sophomores (application open in early January)
- Saturday, March 21- Freshmen & Sophomores (application open in late February)
Sponsors
Thank you to our 2024-25 NaviGo Scholars Sponsors & Community Partners:
I want to get involved with NaviGo Scholars!
We are excited to offer local businesses the power to connect with students, guide them down a career path, and boost our local workforce.
One of the most exciting and powerful aspects of the NaviGo Scholars Program is the inclusion of a corporate career coach in the model. Having a committed individual who can provide timely, real-world knowledge from a professional perspective adds an invaluable dimension to the NaviGo Scholar’s journey of discovery and decision-making.”