Stories from Appalachian Kentucky

Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership

Reports from the schools, libraries, families and partners advancing cradle-to-career outcomes across Appalachian Kentucky — the students, educators and community leaders behind more than 30 years of progress in the region.

February 19, 2026

Connecting with Our Students through Humor

This guest blog comes from a valued partner of PRI, Letcher County Public Schools, and reflects our shared commitment to amplifying rural brilliance. Across the country, rural communities are improving outcomes for students, and we are proud to help elevate these bright spots. Imagine living in a place where streetlights don’t illuminate the sky when…

Showing Up Together: Stories of Attendance in Action

October 7, 2025

When September began, I asked a simple question: “Why be at school?” Over the past few weeks, I’ve seen that question answered in classrooms, homes, and communities across Eastern Kentucky. And while the answers are as unique as the people who shared them, one theme runs through them all: showing up matters—because we matter to…

Shiners: A Packed House, Powerful Stories, and the Heart of Appalachian Kentucky

June 25, 2025

On Sunday, June 22, the Cinemark Theater in Richmond was filled wall to wall—not just with people, but with pride, emotion, and applause—as Shiners: Voices from Owsley County made its Kentucky debut. This wasn’t just a film screening. It was a moment. A celebration of youth, place, and the transformational power of storytelling. Shiners, directed…

Turning the Page: How Library Revamps in Harlan County Are Changing the Game for Students

June 18, 2025

If you step into Cawood Elementary today, you will find a space that looks like a vibrant and creative reading lounge for students. Colorful furniture, STEAM tools, and cozy reading corners are just a few of the major refurbishments the library received. “Our library looked like a time machine when I was in elementary school,…

Connected and Committed: Christine and Kevin Build Bridges in Perry County Schools

June 13, 2025

Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) thrive on relationships, leadership and heart—qualities Christine Cornwell and Kevin Smith bring to their roles every day in Perry County, Kentucky. As FSCS coordinators with Partners for Rural Impact (PRI), both are deeply rooted in their communities and committed to helping students and families thrive. Christine Cornwell: Creating Space and Spark…

AmeriCorps in Action: PartnerCorps PRI Students Lead the Way in Kentucky Classrooms and Communities

June 9, 2025

In four Appalachian Kentucky high schools, AmeriCorps PartnerCorps PRI is doing more than offering students a service opportunity—it’s transforming how they see themselves, their futures, and the power of community. At Bell County, Knox Central, Leslie County, and Perry County Central High Schools, seniors are closing out their final year with more than credits and…

Pineville Students Prepare for New Beginnings During College and Career Week

April 23, 2025

College and Career Week at Pineville gave students the tools, information, and resources to take their next steps in life. Pineville Independent Schools hosted their annual College and Career Week, powered by GearUp and the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) Grant, from April 14–18. The week offered students hands-on experiences and valuable knowledge to take…

Celebrating Literacy Across Eastern Kentucky: Read Across America Week in Knott County, Pineville, and Middlesboro

March 18, 2025

Read Across America Week is a nationwide celebration honoring renowned author Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading. Schools across the country take part in literacy-based activities designed to engage students of all ages. Thanks to the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) grant, schools in Knott County, Pineville, and Middlesboro have been able to celebrate…

Bringing Shakespeare to Life: A Magical Theater Experience for Middlesboro Students

March 5, 2025

What happens when you combine live theater, Shakespeare, and a group of excited elementary students? A one-of-a-kind learning experience. Thanks to the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership (APPC2C) and its Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program, students at Middlesboro Elementary School had the opportunity to experience Kentucky Shakespeare’s interactive performances on Feb. 12-13. A Hands-On…

APPC2C: Building Pathways from Cradle to Career

February 20, 2025

Decades ago, when I first started this work, I sat in a conference in Washington, D.C., in awe of Geoffrey Canada. If you don’t know who he is—run, don’t walk, to check him out. His Cradle to Career work in Harlem inspired me to believe that I, too, could create real change for kids and…

Forging Connections: Middlesboro Independent School District Brings Appalachian Heritage to Life

October 25, 2024

In Middlesboro, KY, the clang of hammers on anvils and the twang of banjo strings recently echoed through the halls of local schools. Middlesboro Independent School District…

Building Homes and Community in Letcher County

September 5, 2024

Shellie Williams realized her calling was to work with children from early on in her career, starting out at a childcare center in 2000. Now, she has been a Full-Service Community…

Helping Students Build Confidence and Independence in Jackson County, Kentucky

August 1, 2024

FSCS Coordinator Charity Rose speaks to a group of LCCHS students For Charity Rose, the most rewarding part of her job comes from working alongside the students she is serving…

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See how partners across the region are working together to put 15,000 more young people on a path to economic mobility by 2030.

Appalachian Kentucky