Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program’s (EKCEP) Teleworks USA program has been awarded nearly $100,000 From the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG).  The grant will be used to expand services and outreach in six counties in Appalachia Kentucky.

EKCEP and Teleworks USA are grassroots partners of Shaping Our Appalachian Region, Inc. (SOAR).  The grant will create two management positions within the Teleworks USA organization – a Hub Manager for the Lawrence County Teleworks Hub and an Outreach Manager who will work in at least three counties where a Teleworks Hub does not exist.

“The work of EKCEP and Teleworks USA demonstrates the proof that technology and connectivity are disrupting poverty across Appalachia Kentucky,” said Jared Arnett, executive director of SOAR. “In the world of remote work, reliable connectivity must be in place, and the success of Teleworks USA is one shining example as to what is possible when the right connectivity is in place in a region.”

Teleworks USA has helped create more than 1,700 jobs across Appalachia Kentucky for an estimated economic impact of $39 million. 

Read more about the USDA RBDG grant announcement HERE.