EKCEP announced significant milestones for its Prosper Appalachia in-school youth program, which provides career services to high school seniors. As of March 31, the program enrolled 1,269 seniors across 43 schools and placed 109 in work-based learning with local employers, where they gained valuable experience and often began earning wages.
Prosper Appalachia’s in-school component kicked off in August 2024 and aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for post-graduation success. Career Development Specialists placed within partner schools assist students with comprehensive career exploration, utilizing tools such as Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to experience potential job fields firsthand. The program also provides career interest assessments, personalized career planning, soft skills training, job search assistance, and interview preparation.
A cornerstone of the initiative is connecting students with real-world experience through work-based learning opportunities. Of the 109 seniors who have begun placements, 44 are in local internships and 65 have entered into work experiences hosted by local employers. These opportunities allow students not only to gain valuable on-the-job skills but also, in many cases, to earn wages while discovering viable career paths available within their home communities.
“Prosper Appalachia kicked off last year with the ambitious goal of serving hundreds of high school seniors. It’s deeply gratifying to announce that we’ve enrolled nearly 1,300,” said EKCEP Executive Director Becky Carnes-Miller. “What makes us especially proud is seeing over 100 participants actively engaged in work-based learning, gaining skills and insights with employers across our 23 counties. This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about launching careers and strengthening communities right here at home.”
Abigail Collins, a senior at Shelby Valley High School in Pike County, is one student thriving in her work experience at Pikeville YMCA Daycare, where she is gaining valuable insights for her future career in education. She plans to attend Alice Lloyd College and major in education to become an elementary school teacher.
“Ever since I started working at the Early Childhood Education Center in downtown Pikeville, Kentucky, the staff members have been very kind and helpful towards me,” Collins said. “These children are very important to my teaching career because it helps give a new light on how ambitious these kids are to learn in Eastern Kentucky!”
For Gabriella Blair, a participant in EKCEP’s Prosper Appalachia program, a passion for the beauty industry is quickly becoming a tangible career path. The program facilitated an internship at Pikeville’s Town & Country Beauty Salon, which provides the hands-on experience she needs.
“This internship has been extremely helpful in helping me get started in the beauty industry,” Blair said. “I believe that everyone should try out their profession before committing, and this is a wonderful way to do so.”
Recognizing that practical barriers can hinder participation, Prosper Appalachia also offers supportive services for students in work-based learning placements. This includes assistance with purchasing appropriate work clothing and transportation support, ensuring students can fully engage in these formative experiences.
Funding for Prosper Appalachia is provided through a crucial allocation from the Kentucky state legislature. Additionally, services within five schools are supported by an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) POWER grant as part of EKCEP’s Career Pathfinder Network pilot.
“Through this generous and critical funding, Prosper Appalachia is directly investing in the future workforce of Eastern Kentucky,” added Carnes-Miller. “We are bridging the gap between education and employment and empowering these young people to envision and pursue bright futures right here in Appalachia.”
Visit ekcep.org/youth to learn more about EKCEP’s Prosper Appalachia initiative.
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates a network of Kentucky Career Centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for jobseekers and employers all under one roof. Learn more about us at ekcep.org.