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, […]
“Raising Resilient Teens” Event at Mexico High School Equips Parents with Knowledge on Drug and Alcohol Abuse
On Monday, February 24, Mexico High School hosted the second event in its “Raising Resilient Teens” speaker series, an initiative aimed at providing parents with valuable tools to support their children’s well-being. This session featured Jamee Benavidez from Compass Health, who led an insightful discussion on drug and alcohol abuse, equipping parents with the knowledge […]
Celebrating Literacy Across Eastern Kentucky: Read Across America Week in Knott County, Pineville, and Middlesboro
Read Across America Week is a nationwide celebration honoring renowned author Dr. Seuss and the joy of reading. Schools across the country take part in literacy-based activities designed to engage students of all ages. Thanks to the Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) grant, schools in Knott County, Pineville, and Middlesboro have been able to celebrate […]
The 2nd Annual Appalachian Youth Leadership Summit: Applications Now Open!
High school juniors and seniors entering the 2025-26 school year: Are you ready to develop your leadership skills, collaborate with peers, and take on real-world challenges? The Appalachian Youth Leadership Summit (AYLS) is back! From June 10-13, 2025, students will gather at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN for a four-day leadership retreat designed to […]
Bringing Shakespeare to Life: A Magical Theater Experience for Middlesboro Students
What happens when you combine live theater, Shakespeare, and a group of excited elementary students? A one-of-a-kind learning experience. Thanks to the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership (APPC2C) and its Innovative Approaches to Literacy (IAL) program, students at Middlesboro Elementary School had the opportunity to experience Kentucky Shakespeare’s interactive performances on Feb. 12-13. A Hands-On […]
APPC2C: Building Pathways from Cradle to Career
Decades ago, when I first started this work, I sat in a conference in Washington, D.C., in awe of Geoffrey Canada. If you don’t know who he is—run, don’t walk, to check him out. His Cradle to Career work in Harlem inspired me to believe that I, too, could create real change for kids and […]
Mexico Middle School’s “Your Future is Bright” Night Connects Students With Career Insights
Mexico Middle School hosted “Your Future is Bright” Night on Thursday, Jan. 30, providing students and families with career and financial planning resources. The event featured breakout sessions and a panel discussion where professionals from various industries shared insights into career opportunities, financial literacy and job readiness. Panel Discussion Offers Career Insights and Financial Guidance […]
AppC2C: A Vision for Rural Systems Transformation
Convening multi-sector partners to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive—from early childhood through adulthood—is both simple in concept and complex in execution. This effort is rooted in addressing the systemic barriers that have persisted for generations, allowing families to move beyond survival to achieve long-term success. The Role of StriveTogether and Backbone Support […]