We’ve all heard it before: “There’s no place like home.” But in Eastern Kentucky, that’s more than just a saying, it’s a way of life. It’s in the mountains we climb, the main streets we walk, and the neighbors who wave from their porches.

For too long, though, staying in the place we love has felt like an uphill battle. Jobs have been scarce. Bills have been piling up. And many of our neighbors have felt like the only way to build a better life was to leave the place they never wanted to leave.

A Wake-Up Call and a Way Forward

In the 12-county region served by the SOAR EKY Runway Program — Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, Perry, and Pike — the population is expected to drop by 11,845 over the next five years. That’s not just a statistic. It’s a wake-up call.

But at SOAR, we believe there’s a different future ahead. One where people don’t have to leave home to find opportunity. One where staying isn’t a sacrifice, it’s a path to purpose.

“In a time when too many are leaving the region, the EKY Runway Program is making staying possible. We’re building pathways to purpose and prosperity—right here at home—so that our people no longer have to choose between opportunity and the mountains they love.”

— Will Warren, SOAR EKY Runway Program Officer

From Decline to Momentum

Reversing decades of economic decline isn’t easy, but change is already happening. In the same 12 counties projected to lose population, more than 1,000 new jobs are expected over the next five years.

That’s not just growth. That’s momentum.

And SOAR is helping lead the way, job by job, person by person. Whether it’s one-on-one career coaching, access to digital training, or partnerships with remote employers, we’re opening doors to meaningful work that doesn’t require moving away.

“We believe the future of work isn’t somewhere else—it’s right here in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky. Our people don’t need to leave home to find purpose; they need a path. That’s what SOAR is building—pathways to meaningful careers that allow our families to thrive in the communities they love. The talent is here. The heart is here. And now, the opportunity is, too.”

— Colby Hall, SOAR Executive Director

The EKY Talent Network: A Bridge to Opportunity

One of the strongest tools we’ve built is the EKY Talent Network, a program that directly connects local job seekers with employers across the country. It’s not just about getting hired. It’s about finding careers that pay well and feel right.

Through the Talent Network, participants are landing jobs with average salaries of $52,000 a year, a real game-changer for individuals and families in our region.

“Purpose begins with meaningful work—and for many in Eastern Kentucky, that purpose is deeply rooted in place. Through the EKY Talent Network, we’re not just connecting people to jobs—we’re unlocking careers that honor their commitment to community while delivering real economic mobility. Companies across the country are searching for skilled, driven talent. We’re proving that some of the best talent in the world is right here in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky.”

— Joshua Ball, SOAR Chief Operating Officer

Looking Ahead

There’s a new kind of hope rising in Eastern Kentucky. As jobs grow, so does the belief that we can stay rooted and still rise. That we don’t have to choose between home and opportunity. We can have both.

The future of work isn’t out there. It’s here.

And it’s just getting started.

Learn More

Explore how SOAR is helping build a future-ready workforce through the EKY Runway Program: ekyrunway.com