While our digital platform supports job seekers nationwide, regional expansions ensure those efforts are grounded in the unique needs and strengths of local economies. Sometimes, however, we need to implement additional ways to support local job seekers in their search for better employment opportunities. In Eastern Kentucky, such a strategy is coming to life through the Eastern Kentucky Runway Program, led by Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR).
This community-driven initiative brings together education, workforce development and economic development partners to create a stronger regional economy in rural eastern Kentucky — and SkillUp is playing a key role by facilitating the digital infrastructure that connects Kentucky’s rural workers to high-impact resources such as coaching, training and careers options.
A Local-First Strategy That Works
SkillUp has launched local platforms in 30+ regions across the country — from major metropolitan areas to smaller, rural communities — including in Eastern Kentucky. The Eastern Kentucky Runway Program builds on a proven model that aligns with local labor market needs and adds additional personalized support to increase the chances of participant success in landing high-opportunity employment. SkillUp is driving digital outreach to new job seekers across the 12-county region, and building additional connections to our existing users in the area to ensure they are aware of continued support for their career aspirations.
“This is about embedding long-term tools and resources into the local workforce ecosystem,” said Lauren Dietz, Senior Director of Strategy and Operations at SkillUp. “It’s also about showing up for the 15,000 SkillUp visitors we already built trust with in the region. Working alongside SOAR and other partners to deepen meaningful, on-the-ground support allows us to make sure residents have access to short-term training and personalized coaching that promotes long-term opportunity.”
Connecting Coal Country to Career Pathways
Eastern Kentucky was hit hard by the decline of the coal industry, and local organizations are working to revitalize the region. “The Runway Program is designed to build a long-term vision for economic opportunity,” said Will Warren, Economic Recovery Corps Fellow working with SOAR. As a national nonprofit that has connected more than 3 million users to high-opportunity training and jobs, SkillUp brings a strong expertise to support this kind of regional transformation. “They have the knowledge, tools and reach to make that vision actionable for job seekers right now,” said Warren.
The program, funded through the Economic Development Administration’s Recompete Program, connects residents to training support for quality jobs. Led by a network of life and career coaches, residents in the region will receive step-by-step support and referrals to successfully complete paths to remote work, emerging industries and regional employment and healthcare opportunities.
“In a place like eastern Kentucky, where regional collaboration is critical and economic challenges are complex, having strong partners like SkillUp accelerates the impact we can make,” said Warren. “Our ideal program candidates are folks who are not currently in the workforce and may be difficult to connect with. SkillUp is an expert in reaching the right people and showing them there are viable career opportunities available.”
Building Trust and Confidence Through Coaching
For job seekers in eastern Kentucky, navigating a sea of career resources can be overwhelming. Through no-cost skill development and coaching, the Runway Program helps individuals discover their purpose, find sustainable employment and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
“One of the most valuable aspects of the Runway Program is providing a dedicated empowerment coach,” said Warren. “Folks want someone to talk to — someone who can help them think through what comes next, especially when they’re making a big change.” Indeed, coaching is a game-changer in career navigation: nearly half of job seekers who participated in career coaching reported increased confidence in their career path.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, SkillUp is focused on deepening partnerships with trusted organizations that understand the value of human-centered workforce supports. “Eastern Kentucky reminds us what’s possible when purposeful outreach supports local needs,” said Dietz. “Together, we’re building a model that empowers workers to pursue career pathways that truly work for them.”
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