Your career, your way
Career paths are not one-size-fits-all. That’s why Shaping our Appalachian Region and its Eastern Kentucky Runway Program focuses on identifying each applicant’s individual skills, talents, and goals to create personalized pathways. With diverse programs and initiatives, we support applicants at every stage of their professional development, tailoring the experience to their specific needs.
Empowerment coaches and peer mentors
We’ve got your back! You’ll get an empowerment coach and peer mentor who will team up with you to design your perfect career path. They’ll be there to help you every step of the way and make sure you get the training you need to shine.


Digital skilling and literacy
The future is digital. We’ll help prepare applicants for remote work jobs that allow them to earn a competitive wage without having to leave Eastern Kentucky.
- Foundational digital skilling and literacy courses
- Access to Internet-enabled devices and essential software
subscriptions - Assistance with the job search process, including resume preparation, cover letter construction, and LinkedIn training
- Connections to entry-level remote opportunities
- Free targeted workforce training programs
- Networking activities
Healthcare training
If the applicant’s career path and plan lead them to choose a job in healthcare, we’ll connect them with training in their chosen field. Our partnerships with leading regional healthcare providers Pikeville Medical Center and Appalachian Regional Healthcare give our applicants access to the best healthcare training available today.


Entrepreneurial support
The Eastern Kentucky Runway Program provides support to those aspiring to found companies that reduce employment barriers in our region.
- Incubation
- Networking
- Collaborative space
- Mentorship
- Technical assistance
- Access to capital