A Path to Work, Stability, and a Better Life
The Eastern Kentucky Runway Program is built for people who are ready to move forward but need real support to get there.
That’s where our Workforce Training and Support Network comes in.
This program isn’t about checking boxes or rushing you into a job. It’s about walking with you through a clear, supportive journey that helps you build skills, confidence, and a career that leads to a better life.
1
Digital Certificates
1
Training Plans
1
Criminal Expungements
1
GEDs Obtained
1
Total Clients
1
Client Meetings
What to Expect from the Workforce Training and Support Network
Every Eastern Kentucky Runway Program client moves through four clear steps in the Workforce Training and Support Network. Each step is designed to meet people where they are and guide them toward meaningful, stable work.
Step 1: Program Entry
How It Works
Your journey begins with a short online application. After you apply, one of our team member will reach out to talk with you. This conversation is about listening and understanding your full story, not judging it. This helps us understand what kind of support will help you most and what the next step should be.
Who You’ll Meet
Your Intake Coordinator is the first person you’ll talk to. They’ll:
- Reach out to you and learn more about your situation
- Help gather the information we need to support you
- Make sure you’re connected to the right level of help
- Point you to trusted partners if another program is a better fit
- If you’re dealing with urgent challenges like housing or food, we focus on stabilizing those first so you can move forward.
Step 2: Mentoring and Coaching
How It Works
After starting the Eastern Kentucky Runway Program, each participant is matched with two key supports from our Workforce Training and Support Network: A personal Empowerment Coach and Peer Mentor.
These are real people from Eastern Kentucky who understand the region and the challenges that come with rebuilding your life. Many have walked similar paths themselves or have helped others do the same.
You’ll have direct access to their phone numbers and email addresses, so you can reach out when you need help, encouragement, or answers.
Who You’ll Meet
Your Empowerment Coach walks with you throughout your journey:
- Helps you stay on track during training and job search
- Helps you solve real-life problems like transportation or scheduling
- Encourages you when things get hard
- Helps you build habits that support long-term success at work
Your Peer Mentor brings lived experience and practical help:
- Helps you handle urgent needs when they arise
- Supports you with documents and work readiness
- Offers encouragement, accountability, and perspective
Step 3: Career Direction and Planning
How It Works
Once you’re in the program, we’ll focus on quick wins to get you stable. Then you’ll work with your Workforce Training and Support Network team to build a long-term career plan. This plan isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s built around you.
This is where you look ahead together and figure out what kind of work makes sense for you now and in the future.
- Identify your skills, interests, and strengths
- Explore career paths that match your goals
- Set realistic timelines based on your life responsibilities
- Talk through barriers and plan how to handle them
Who You’ll Meet
Your Training Plan Coordinator Training Plan Coordinators help turn your goals into a clear plan:
- Help you choose training that fits your career goals
- Explain requirements, timelines, and expectations
- Help you understand what comes next and when
- Make sure your plan is realistic and achievable
If technology feels like a barrier, your Digital Navigator will step in:
- Help you learn basic computer and email skills
- Show you how to use online applications and portals
- Support you with virtual training platforms
Step 4: Launch & Support
Once your plan is in place, your Workforce Training and Support Network team helps you put it into action.
Everyone’s journey looks different. For some people, success depends on childcare or transportation. For others, it may involve family support, business planning, or additional training.
How It Works
Depending on your needs, support may include:
- Financial help or loan repayment so you can focus on moving forward
- Ongoing coaching and mentoring
- Digital skills training through the Appalachian Digital Career Academy
- Technical training through trusted community partners
- Job connections through the Eastern Kentucky Talent Network
Who You’ll Meet
Your Resource Specialist will step in during tough moments:
- Help when serious challenges threaten your progress
- Work behind the scenes to restore stability
- Support you until you’re ready to move forward again
As you get closer to employment, your Applicant Support Liaison helps you:
- Build or update your resume
- Apply for jobs
- Prepare for interviews
- Feel confident walking into the hiring process
Long-Term Support for Real Work and Real Life
Getting a job isn’t the finish line. Your Workforce Training and Support Network team stays connected after placement, continuing to support you as you adjust to work, build confidence, and plan what comes next.
That might mean help with transportation, childcare, training, or just having someone to check in with when things feel hard. We don’t disappear when the program ends. We stick around because long-term support is what leads to real stability.
Your future is waiting. Take the first step.
We know commitment can be intimidating.
Maybe you’ve tried a program like this in the past that didn’t work. Maybe you’re overwhelmed by the amount you might have to learn. Or maybe you struggle just to believe you could contribute in a meaningful way. We get it. And we’re challenging you to take a chance and make that first move. There’s no cost to you. And the potential results are too worthwhile to pass up.
Do it for yourself. Do it for your family. And do it for your Eastern Kentucky community.