The Galaxy Project
Consent forms for the Pathfinder student survey have been sent home to parents and
guardians of Carter County students in grades seven through twelve, and community
leaders are encouraging families to review, sign, and return them promptly. Whether
families choose yes or no, returning the form remains essential to ensuring that student
voices are accurately represented.
The call for participation comes as the Carter County Pathfinder Initiative is already
demonstrating visible positive impacts across Olive Hill and the broader Carter County
community.
Pathfinder is a community-led effort focused on improving youth health, happiness, and
overall quality of life by strengthening the environments where young people live, learn, and
spend their time. The initiative grew out of place-based work connected to the Warrior’s
Path Project and is coordinated by The Galaxy Project, which serves as the initiative’s
backbone organization.
“The survey is how we listen to students and understand where to focus our efforts,” said
Max Hammond, Pathfinder Initiative Coalition Coordinator.
One of the most visible early outcomes is the development of Fire Brick Lake Family
Recreation Park in Olive Hill. Supported by a Trail Accelerator Grant from the International
Mountain Bicycling Association, the project will add miles of natural-surface, shared-use
trails designed to be accessible to riders of all abilities. The project links outdoor recreation,
tourism, and youth prevention efforts.
Pathfinder partners have also expanded youth and family programming at Carter Caves
State Resort Park, hosting events such as Wilderness First Aid training, family trail rides,
and regional adventure days. These supervised activities create safe ways for youth and
families to spend time outdoors together.
Arts and cultural opportunities have expanded through programming at the Olive Hill
Center for Arts and Education, where students now have access to music, theater, dance, and
visual arts.
“Pathfinder is helping us give kids meaningful activities and a stronger sense of belonging,”
said Debra Harman, vice president of the Olive Hill Center for Arts and Heritage.
Pathfinder’s impact is also being felt through youth learning and career exploration. In
partnership with the Carter County Board of Education, Pathfinder is developing the
1ST2FLY STEAM festival, which recognizes the area’s aviation history while connecting
students to hands-on STEAM learning and career pathways.
“When families return the consent form, they help ensure student voices guide the
opportunities we build in our schools and community,” said Kristen Bledsoe, Carter County’s
Director of Teaching and Learning.
At the center of Pathfinder is an anonymous student survey administered during school
hours. The survey does not collect names and results are used only as group-level data to
guide community planning. Parents and guardians are encouraged to return consent forms
promptly to strengthen the data used to sustain and expand programs already improving
quality of life for Carter County youth.
