At Shaping Our Appalachian Region, our mission is simple but ambitious: Build a future where every Eastern Kentuckian has a pathway to meaningful work and thriving communities.
This season has brought incredible momentum toward that vision.
Through new grants and resources, we see progress across every stage of the workforce pipeline. Here’s how these opportunities are shaping the future of Eastern Kentucky.
ARC Arise Grant: Building a Workforce for the Future
We know the challenge is real: If we don’t reverse population decline in Eastern Kentucky, there won’t be a workforce left to fill the jobs of tomorrow.
That’s why we’re honored to receive a $500,000 ARC ARISE grant, which will give our team and partners the ability to design strategies that:
- Keep our homegrown talent here
- Re-engage the thousands who have fallen out of the workforce
- Attract new residents to our region
This isn’t just about jobs. It’s about building futures.
You can learn more about our plans in this ARC ARISE Snapshot of SOAR projects.
GitLab Foundation Grant: Connecting People to High-Demand Jobs
While we prepare for the future, we’re also connecting people to opportunities that exist right now.
Thanks to an inaugural Powering Economic Opportunity Fund grant from the GitLab Foundation, we’re strengthening the Eastern Kentucky Talent Network.
Eastern Kentucky has a long history of powering America via coal, timber, and other industries that built our communities. Today new opportunities are emerging for hardworking men and women across our region, this time in nuclear energy.
The Eastern Kentucky Talent Network is partnering with top industry leaders to connect local residents to rewarding jobs in this growing field. Nuclear power is a safe and essential part of the world’s energy portfolio, and it needs skilled, dependable workers to keep facilities running smoothly.
With this grant, we’ll join a cohort of 10 organizations working to help low-wage workers access quality careers in renewable energy, skilled trades, and advanced manufacturing.
It’s one more way we’re advancing our mission: A job for every Eastern Kentuckian.
ARC POWER Initiative Grant: Helping Eastern Kentucky Communities Access Resources
Workforce growth isn’t just about individuals. It’s about communities having the resources to create opportunity. That’s why we’re excited to share that the ARC POWER Initiative grant program is now accepting applications.
To help organizations across Eastern Kentucky compete for this funding, we’ve partnered with Grant Ready Kentucky to create tools and training:
- A step-by-step guide to submitting a successful POWER Grant application
- An online training session on Sept. 12
- An on-demand POWER Grant 101 info session. Access the video with this link and enter passcode !+3GUFe%.
- One-on-one coaching for filling out applications. Book a session here or here.
- In-depth coaching limited to 15 organizations. Apply using this link.
These free resources give you the clarity and confidence you need to pursue transformative projects for their communities.
AARP Grant: Keeping Seniors Connected to the Digital Economy
Finally, building a stronger region means making sure no one is left behind.
Shaping Our Appalachian Region has been awarded an AARP grant to provide digital skills training for Eastern Kentuckians age 50 and over.
This program will empower seniors to stay connected, access resources, and even rejoin the workforce if they choose. If you know a senior who would be interested, or if you organize activities for seniors, we’d love to connect.
A Shared Investment in Eastern Kentucky’s Future
Each of these grants and opportunities addresses a different piece of the puzzle.
- Developing strategies for the future
- Connecting job seekers with opportunities today
- Empowering communities to secure resources
- Ensuring seniors remain engaged in the digital economy
Together, they represent a shared investment in Eastern Kentucky’s future.
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