Turning the Page: How Library Revamps in Harlan County Are Changing the Game for Students
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, […]
Featured on StriveTogether: A Closer Look at Our Work in Appalachian Kentucky
We’re proud to share that the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership (APPC2C) has been featured on the StriveTogether blog in a new story titled Postsecondary Completion: A Community Strategy for Economic Mobility in Appalachian Kentucky. This piece highlights the power of place-based partnerships in rural communities—and how our region is rethinking what it means to […]
Connected and Committed: Christine and Kevin Build Bridges in Perry County Schools
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
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 […]
Investing in Civic Engagement and the Next Generation: Dr. Melissa Newman to Speak at INN Days 2025
This June, Dr. Melissa Newman will take the national stage at INN Days 2025 in Minneapolis—the country’s largest gathering of nonprofit news leaders, funders, researchers, and civic innovators. The event comes at a critical time, as communities across the U.S. rally to rebuild local news ecosystems and strengthen civic infrastructure through initiatives like Press Forward. […]
Raising Resilient Teens: Third Event Sheds Light on the Effects of Childhood Trauma
Trigger Warning: Mentions of trauma and suicide The third event of the Raising Resilient Teens speaker series was held at Mexico High School on Thursday, March 20. Christina McCaw, Director of Student Services for Mexico Public Schools, led an important conversation on trauma, discussing its definitions, signs, and strategies for supporting those who experience it. […]
Pineville Students Prepare for New Beginnings During College and Career Week
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 […]
Real Voices, Real Impact: Student Stories from AYLS
Curious about what makes the Appalachian Youth Leadership Summit (AYLS) such a transformative experience? The best way to find out is to hear directly from the students who’ve lived it. Each year, AYLS brings together students from across Appalachian Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia to learn, connect, and grow. From leadership workshops to community service, every […]
Knott Student Voice Summit: Empowering Students
On March 4, 2025, Knott Central High School hosted the Knott Student Voice Summit, an event designed to amplify student voices and foster a safer, more inclusive school environment. Led by PRI’s Integrated Strategies Team and Knott County STOP-V grant staff, the summit provided students with an opportunity to express their concerns and propose solutions […]
Strengthening the Backbone: FSCS Support Team Brings Home Big Wins from ASQ 2025
In February 2025, the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) support team at Partners for Rural Impact (PRI) traveled to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend the ASQ Lean and Six Sigma Conference—an annual event that brings together leaders in process improvement and continuous learning. Haley Thacker, Program Manager, along with her team of FSCS Coordinators—Lisa Callihan, Laura Wolfrom, […]