With more than 1,700 attendees from 56 counties and 75 communities, the 2025 SOAR Summit showcased the collective energy and momentum driving Eastern Kentucky forward.
This annual gathering united leaders, innovators, and changemakers who are committed to building economic growth, sparking innovation, and creating opportunity across Appalachia. From business owners and entrepreneurs to local officials and students, the SOAR Summit was a place for everyone to be inspired by all our region has to offer.
Powered by the generous support of sponsors who believe in Shaping Our Appalachian Region’s mission and the future of Appalachia, the 2025 SOAR Summit marked yet another milestone in our shared journey of growth.
Annual Highlight: AMLER Grants Drive Investment in Eastern Kentucky
A highlight of each year’s SOAR Summit is the awarding of the Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization (AMLER) grants to organizations and communities of Eastern Kentucky. Congressman Hal Rogers and Governor Andy Beshear announced $26 million for Eastern Kentucky economic revitalization at the 2025 SOAR Summit.
This year’s AMLER recipients are championing projects and causes that are moving Eastern Kentucky forward.
The Aviation STEM Career Training Initiative in Greenup County was selected to receive $1.02 million to establish an Aviation STEM training program for high school students in Boyd, Carter and Greenup counties. The program will provide FAA-certified flight instruction.
The City of Ashland Conference Center, a planned 30,000 square-foot facility in Boyd County, was selected to receive $2 million for technology infrastructure, furnishings and parking. The center is expected to create 191 new jobs within five years of completion and a $500,000 increase in tourism revenue.
An Environmental Resiliency, Water Quality and Tank Rehabilitation Project in Cannonsburg was selected to receive $1.5 million to strengthen the resiliency of the city’s water system. AMLER funding will be used to install natural gas and diesel generators, and mixing systems at the storage facilities, and to repair storage tanks. The project will improve water quality through the reduction of contaminants in the system, improve service and responsiveness during disasters, and extend the life of the storage facilities.
The Hilltop Park Pavilion in the city of Hyden was selected to receive $300,000 to construct a pavilion and splash pad for the community. When completed, the pavilion is expected to increase visitors by 200-300 yearly.
The Lake Point Sewer Extension Project in the city of Jackson was selected to receive $1.58 million to install 4,500 linear feet of sewer lines to connect to an unserved area along Panbowl Road. The project will provide sewer service to 15 new customers and allow for future development opportunities.
The Lynch Motorsports Welcome Center in Harlan County was selected to receive $260,000 for Phase II of the project. A 2020 AMLER grant renovated the Lynch Motorsports Visitors Center. Backroads of Appalachia plans to use the 2025 funding to resurface the parking area and install safety features, a welcome center sign and the immensely popular signature board, which is signed by thousands of visitors annually. The center is expected to welcome 40,000 visitors yearly.
The Magoffin Pediatric Expansion at Big Sandy Health Care was selected to receive $1.3 million for the redesign of the second floor, adding five exam rooms and two provider offices, and expanding the waiting room and common spaces. The construction project will create three jobs and will increase patient care by 1,000 by the second year of operation.
The Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation Autism Clinic in Letcher County was selected to receive $1.5 million to establish an autism clinic to support families with children in need of screening, evaluation and treatment. AMLER funding will support the administration, engineering, and construction of the project, which will create 30 jobs and serve over 500 children annually.
The Nursing Live and Learn Dormitory at Union Commonwealth University in Knox County was selected to receive $780,000 to help renovate the residential live and learn space for nursing students. The project will create five jobs, and the dormitory will house 125 nursing program students within three years.
The Paintsville Independent Schools STEAM Program was selected to receive $2.64 million and will support a skilled labor force within the community through education and training. The project will offer programs in applied health sciences, marketing and entrepreneurship, computer programming, culinary arts, and media and sound production. The funding will support general construction, electrical and HVAC installation, and architectural renovations. The STEM program expects to train 400 students yearly.
The Pathways Autism Center in Carter County was selected to receive $4.04 million for the construction of a 13,000 square foot autism center. The center will create 50 new jobs and expect to serve 250 clients within the first year.
The Rousseau Volunteer Fire Department’s Tower and Repeater Project was selected to receive $380,000 to implement a modernized mobile radio communications system and construct a 150G tower. The investment will improve critical infrastructure to support community resilience, improve coordination and enhance safety for nearly 1,200 citizens within the Rousseau community.
Saint Joseph Health System in London was selected to receive $650,000 to purchase a CT Scanner to improve cancer, cardio, neurological, and trauma care in the region.
The Somerset Community College Career and Technical Education Training Complex has been selected to receive $6 million to develop a career and technical facility supporting workforce training programs like construction, HVAC, welding, automotive and diesel technology, electrical technology, and industrial maintenance. AMLER funds will be used for equipment purchases and classroom furnishings. As a result, the college anticipates a 20% increase in student enrollment and credentials earned within three years of completion.
View the photos of the award winners receiving their funds at the 2025 SOAR Summit!
The EKY Experience & PurposeWorks Public Job & Resource Fair
At the EKY Experience Expo Hall presented by Appalachian Regional Healthcare, over 100 exhibitors came together to create a one-of-a-kind experience. SOAR Summit attendees were able to see everything from AI technologies from the University of the Cumberlands to innovative solutions like 3d printing from KCTCS.
Regional businesses and organizations were able to display the creativity and innovation of the Eastern Kentucky spirit and how it’s playing a part in building a brighter future for our residents.
Alongside the EKY Experience the 2025 SOAR Summit provided an opportunity for Eastern Kentucky residents to attend the PurposeWorks Job fair sponsored by Goodwill Industries of Kentucky and Branscum Construction. The free, one-day public job and resource fair connected Eastern Kentuckians to real job opportunities with employers. Residents meet local employers who are hiring, explored training programs, and connected with people who were ready to support their next step.
National Voices and Local Leaders
The 2025 SOAR Summit brought national voices and local leaders together to speak into the work of growing the Eastern Kentucky region. Seventy-eight (78) speakers took part in this year’s event, covering key topics: AI, workforce development, tourism, the arts, and business & innovation.
A special panel about Taking the Lead in Nuclear Innovation featured:
- Christine King, Director of Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN), Idaho National Lab
- Kenya Stump, Executive Director, Office of Energy Policy, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet
- Lauren Hughes, Deputy Director, Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative, Atlantic Council
The panel focused on the high demand for nuclear energy in Eastern Kentucky and the potential and rising employment opportunities being produced by it.
Plenary Sessions focused on economic and workforce development hosted government leaders and organizations leading the charge for revitalization for rural America. Congressman Hal Rogers, Governor Andy Beshear, and Senate President Robert Stivers were among the voices of the 2025 SOAR Summit Plenaries.
Relive the 2025 SOAR Summit
The impact of this year’s Summit reached far beyond the event space, with coverage from WYMT and our live stream sharing the experience across Eastern Kentucky.
Viewers got a front-row seat to the energy of the event and the transformative work being led by Shaping Our Appalachian Region and our partners.
Want to keep the momentum going?
Explore post-event videos and photos, and sign up for event updates to be the first to hear about the 2026 SOAR Summit.