From Behind the Lens to Big Dreams: Meet Ella Harris
Meet Ella Harris — a cheerful, mindful, and kind soul who has been shining on our communications team with her creativity and positive energy! A Social Work major at Lincoln Memorial University, Ella brings confidence to her role—always ready to try something new, snap a great photo, and seek new opportunities. Throughout her internship, Ella […]
Fleming-Neon Library Makeover Opens New Chapter for Student Learning
A quiet transformation has taken place at Fleming-Neon Middle School—one that promises to inspire students for years to come. Thanks to a partnership between the school and Partners for Rural Impact’s Letcher Promise Neighborhood, the school’s long-outdated library has undergone a complete renovation, turning a neglected space into a vibrant hub for learning, collaboration and […]
Shiners: A Packed House, Powerful Stories, and the Heart of Appalachian Kentucky
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
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 […]