When the Eastern Kentucky Runway Program launched under Shaping Our Appalachian Region’s EDA Recompete grant last year, the vision was simple yet ambitious: Create a bridge for Eastern Kentuckians seeking meaningful, long-term career paths. Just one year later, the numbers tell a story of hope and undeniable progress, not only in workforce development but in reshaping how the region defines opportunity.
Turning Vision into Action
The first year’s mission was clear: get the word out and build trust.
“The goal of our first year was to set up a program that attracted people and was available for those who needed it,” said Kirsten Wilburn, Eastern Kentucky Runway Program Director. “So, I think in our first year, we really wanted to make sure that people knew that this program existed and that the support and help was there for them. I think we’ve accomplished that tenfold.”
That outreach succeeded beyond expectations. In just twelve months, the team generated more than 1,100 program applicants, far more than originally anticipated. Today, 410 participants are actively engaged, coming from the 12 counties throughout Eastern Kentucky.
These Eastern Kentucky residents are motivated individuals who were unemployed or underemployed before joining the program. Most come from low-income households and rely on some form of public assistance. A snapshot of participants shows:
- 261 individuals with annual incomes under $25,000
- Many unemployed or underemployed prior to enrolling
- Most rely on EBT, Medicaid, or other assistance programs
- Majority are adults aged 25–54 seeking stability and opportunity
Yet the common thread among them isn’t hardship; it’s determination. Each person joins with a desire for stability, dignity, and a long-term career path close to home.
A Human-Centered Model for Workforce Development
From the start, the Eastern Kentucky Runway Program set out to reimagine what workforce development could look like in rural communities. Instead of focusing solely on job placements, the team built a human-centered approach, one that values emotional well-being, personal growth, and lasting stability as much as paychecks.
“We’re not just focused on job placement,” Wilburn emphasized. “We’re focused on life change. Every time a client feels more secure in their employment journey, or just in their life, that’s a win.”
This holistic model is reflected in the program’s comprehensive wraparound services. In year one, the program:
- Facilitated over 2,500 client meetings
- Provided 267 personalized training plans
- Held 1,238 peer mentorship sessions
- Awarded 295 digital certificates
- Helped participants secure an average starting wage of $14.53 per hour
Community Collaboration and Co-Enrollment Success
One of the most defining aspects of the Eastern Kentucky Runway Program’s first year was the power of partnership. Local employers, training providers, and community mentors became essential in shaping outcomes.
“We entered a space of workforce development and training that Shaping Our Appalachian Region had never been in,” Wilburn explained. “Our partners were our backup; they provided expertise and support while helping us co-enroll clients into other vital programs.”
That co-enrollment strategy, aligning Eastern Kentucky Runway Program clients with existing workforce initiatives, proved to be a game changer. It allowed participants to access resources like transportation, childcare, and education assistance without duplicating services. It also established a foundation for year two’s focus: expanding impact through collaboration.
Already, the program has seen 242 participants from communities facing barriers (including individuals with justice involvement, single-parent households, and those in recovery) gain tailored support toward career readiness. The program’s unique blend of mentorship and practical aid is transforming lives while strengthening the region’s workforce ecosystem.
Real Impact, Real Change
The program’s cumulative achievements are impressive:
- 207 criminal records expunged
- 97 new jobs created across partner industries
- $2.4 million+ in new wages have been generated to date
Each data point represents not just economic progress, but personal transformation.
Many participants who once faced long-term unemployment, with 60 percent of them experiencing itww for more than a year, are now on a clear path to independence. Others are pursuing education milestones, with dozens earning GEDs, technical certifications, or college degrees through Runway’s support network.
Community response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Every chance we get to talk about this program, we take it — and the response is always, ‘We’ve really needed something like this,’” Wilburn said. “It’s amazing to see the need met with so much enthusiasm and hope.”
Year Two: Deepening Impact Across Eastern Kentucky
As the Eastern Kentucky Runway Program moves into its second year, the focus shifts from awareness to impact and integration. The team is zeroing in on sustaining momentum, expanding partnerships, and ensuring clients remain employed and thriving long after placement.
Wilburn described year two’s theme in one word: impact.
“We’re looking at every opportunity where we can step in and support our friends in this space, and pick up where their funding can’t,” she said. “It’s about making the most difference, one person at a time.”
The program’s forward momentum is already aligned with Shaping Our Appalachian Region’s bold goal to connect 15,000 Eastern Kentuckians to work by 2030.
The Eastern Kentucky Runway Program, in partnership with regional employers and training centers, isn’t just preparing people for jobs; it’s preparing them for careers rooted in their home communities.
A Legacy of Opportunity
At its heart, the Eastern Kentucky Runway Program is about more than workforce metrics. It’s about restoring pride, purpose, and possibility in a region long defined by its challenges.
Wilburn put it best: “The opportunities are coming to Eastern Kentucky. The Eastern Kentucky Runway Program helps people remove barriers that may have kept them out before, so they can thrive right here in the home they love.”
Explore how you can grow your career or strengthen Eastern Kentucky’s workforce by connecting with the Eastern Kentucky Runway Program.