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Hearts and Minds United: How Monthly APPC2C Partner Meetings Are Building a Better Appalachia

Picture of Rian Johnson

Rian Johnson

Associate Director Content Development

When the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership (APPC2C) convenes its monthly partner meeting, the energy in the (virtual) room is undeniable. Despite the distance between counties and computer screens, every person shows up with one shared purpose: to build a better Appalachia—one student, one family, one system at a time.

These monthly meetings are where the real magic happens. It’s where updates become action plans and big-picture ideas turn into tangible strategies. Every meeting is a chance to share new opportunities, troubleshoot current challenges, and strengthen the collaboration that makes this partnership so powerful.

The Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership is a place-based initiative dedicated to improving cradle-to-career outcomes for young people across Appalachian Kentucky. Our partners include schools, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, higher education institutions, libraries, and community groups—all aligned around a common goal: breaking down barriers and opening up opportunity. 

Updates from the Field: Strategy, Internships, and Community Impact

There’s no shortage of momentum across the APPC2C network. Partners are moving from ideas to action, with regional workgroups now focused on addressing youth mental health, early childhood development, work-based learning and chronic absenteeism. These strategy groups are helping identify community-driven solutions and directing resources to local efforts that make a measurable difference for students and families.

Internship opportunities are also expanding. This summer, the East Kentucky AppC2C program placed 14 students in paid internships through a growing network of employer partners. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, and plans are underway to build long-term sustainability through a support fund at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky.

Community engagement remains a cornerstone of the work. The Press Forward Bluegrass initiative placed six college students from Appalachia in journalism internships with outlets such as the Lexington Herald-Leader. And in Bath County, the R.L. Brown Foundation continues to host free summer arts programming for all ages, offering meaningful enrichment and fostering stronger community ties.

Together, these efforts reflect the deeply interconnected nature of APPC2C’s approach—where partners work side by side to elevate opportunity and build a brighter future for young people in Appalachian Kentucky.

Our Network of Partners

Each partner brings unique expertise, resources, and passion to the table. Together, they form a strong, connected network committed to improving outcomes for Appalachian youth.

Organizations actively involved in APPC2C include:

What’s Next: Building Momentum Together

The months ahead hold exciting opportunities for APPC2C partners to deepen collaboration and showcase the incredible work happening across our region.

  • Partner Retreat: We’re planning a hands-on retreat designed to strengthen connections, spark new ideas, and align strategies for even greater impact. This gathering will give partners time to step back from the day-to-day, dream big, and co-create the next chapter of our work.

  • Paid Work Experiences Dashboard: Our team is developing a powerful tool to track Paid Work Experience outcomes across Appalachian Kentucky. This dashboard will help partners measure progress, share success stories, and make data-driven decisions that lead to lasting change.

  • SOAR Summit Presentation: APPC2C is taking the stage at the 2025 SOAR Summit in Corbin. In our session, Pathways to Prosperity: A Regional Approach to Paid Work & Internships, we’ll highlight how collective action is creating more meaningful, paid work opportunities for young people. This is our moment to shine a spotlight on the inspiring work happening in our communities—and to invite others to join the movement.

The future of APPC2C is fueled by the passion and dedication of our partners, and these next steps are just the beginning of what we can achieve together.