Your story is our story, too
For decades, Eastern Kentucky has been the backbone of America. We built an industry that fueled the country’s economy. Electricity only spread — and WWII couldn’t have been won — without our coal. Our workforce continues to keep the lights on, the assembly lines churning, and food on the tables of Americans.
While our economy has changed, the one thing that hasn’t is the caliber of people who call Eastern Kentucky home. We’re still the same resilient, determined, talented communities that powered America for so long. We may be the underdog, but we’re here for the fight. And we’re determined to come out on top.
The Blueprint for Appalachia
A never-been-done-before strategy, the Blueprint for the Future of Appalachia is an economic transition plan led by those who created it – the people who call Eastern Kentucky home.
Broadband & last mile
Our priority is to bring affordable, high-speed broadband to every home and business in Eastern Kentucky. There are millions of dollars of funding available and we believe with a proper gameplan, our region can use it to make last-mile internet a reality.
EKY Jobs
SOAR believes every Eastern Kentuckian deserves access to employment that provides a living wage and benefits. Whether you’re looking for a job with a local employer or for a remote position with national companies, these resources will help.
Download the Remote Work Playbook for Eastern Kentucky Leaders to learn how to attract, retain, and invest in remote work in our region.
Find remote jobs across industries, companies, and skill sets.
Eastern Kentucky is a great place to live, work, and play. We’re looking for early-stage entrepreneurs and young professionals to make a difference by relocating to our region. Check out the benefits and perks offered through EKY Remote.
Browse open positions in our region through SOAR’s Eastern Kentucky Job Catalog. Or reach out to our team for help with the application process.
Healthy Communities
SOAR is health-focused, with a mission to reduce the physical and economic impact of obesity, diabetes, and substance abuse. We’re also an expert resource for all things COVID-19.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has partnered with SOAR to lead the charge on health and disease prevention in Eastern Kentucky. Our joint efforts address regional health disparities in access, quality of care, and health outcomes.
SOAR has partnered with Eastern Kentucky healthcare networks to showcase potential careers local high schoolers can take advantage of once they graduate. The goal is to show them the healthcare careers that are available in their own backyards.
Watch the recap of our Spring 2022 (and first ever) Healthcare Career Pathway Fair.
There’s a high demand for nurses now — and in the future. It’s a national challenge, but we’re tackling it in Eastern Kentucky with a home-grown solution. SOAR and the Kentucky Department for Public Health’s Office of Health Equity has partnered to host the Appalachian Nursing Academy.
Cohorts will start on an ongoing and as-needed basis. Contact us if you’re interested in attending the next one!
SOAR has partnered with the American Heart Association and AmeriCorps on a new initiative: HeartCorps. A dedicated team member will work to address high blood pressure and promote heart health in Eastern Kentucky. Contact us to learn more!
Entrepreneurship & small business
One of the aspects of the SOAR Blueprint for the Future of Appalachia is to promote and provide resources for entrepreneurship. We’ve created SOAR Innovation as a dedicated resource to do just that.
Regional prosperity
The Blueprint for the Future of Appalachia is a strategy spearheaded by the people of Eastern Kentucky. It’s our plan to bring jobs back to Eastern Kentucky by doing what we do best: living, working, and exploring in one of the best places in the world.
SOAR Farm Loans
The SOAR Small Production Loan Fund is a low-interest financing resource supporting and educating growers. It helps small producers grow healthy foods to enable them to move into commercial production. We want to develop a strong local food system in Eastern Kentucky that’s profitable for farmers and supported by the market.
Expanding emerging and opportunity industries
SOAR is dedicated to preserving the roots of Eastern Kentucky by adding more jobs in fast-growing, innovative fields. We’re determined to create a brighter future for the next generation of Eastern Kentuckians by changing the way we do business.
Investing in workforce development
Eastern Kentucky is home to the best and hardest working talent in the country. SOAR is working to keep that talent here by developing our regional workforce to be competitive in the digital economy and other emerging industries.
Let’s make it official
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