WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) recently announced that a $250,000 grant has been awarded to Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR) by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to expand remote work opportunities in Eastern Kentucky and potentially create new jobs in our region. 

The grant will support SOAR’s new project, Creating Opportunities for Digital Employment in Appalachia Kentucky, which will serve 15 organizations across 18 counties in Kentucky’s Fifth Congressional District. SOAR will use the funding to host three regional meetings, offering technical assistance to assist local communities in connecting available high-paying remote jobs to high-skilled workers across Eastern Kentucky.

“Remote work opportunities provide a gateway to prosperity for individuals who cannot travel for work, and it has become increasingly important during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide innovative remote job opportunities,” said Congressman Rogers. “I applaud SOAR for planning their work and working their plan to advance job opportunities in our region despite the challenges we face. The ARC has been a loyal partner for economic development opportunities in Kentucky’s Appalachian region and I appreciate the commission’s continued tireless efforts to help us shape a brighter future in the mountains.” 

SOAR will bring together state, local, and federal officials, businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions (K-12 and post-secondary), technical assistance providers, and individuals working at the grassroots level to attract or implement more remote job opportunities. 

“SOAR continues to believe high-paying remote work is critical for economic revitalization in Eastern Kentucky. The jobs the region has sought for years have finally arrived…online. It’s time communities work together to connect these opportunities with our best and brightest workers to keep them home,” said Colby Hall, Executive Director of SOAR. 

SOAR will focus on last-mile broadband deployment, remote work community-level strategies to enhance awareness around employment opportunities, and marketing Eastern Kentucky as a remote work destination.

To stay up to date on SOAR events and initiatives, visit soar-ky.org.