Who We Are and Where We’re Going

Our Vision

A future where young people in Eastern Kentucky can grow their families, build their careers, and thrive right in the mountains that they call home.

Our Mission

To empower Eastern Kentucky's youth by enhancing the education-to-workforce transition through career-connected learning and equipping students with the durable skills required for success in the 21st century.

Our Goals

Rural Up, Inc. empowers Eastern Kentucky's youth by bridging education-to-workforce transition through career-connected learning for success in the 21st-century workplace. We collaborate with schools, community leaders, and local employers to offer work-based learning opportunities, including internships, mentorships, and durable skills training.

  • 1) Provide Eastern Kentucky youth with the 21st century, real-world skills, industry-specific pathways, mentorship, and work-based learning opportunities needed to persist through school and envision postsecondary and career success.

  • 2) Build a network of economic, educational, and civic leaders along with employer partners to support work-based learning opportunities that will advance the careers of youth entering the workforce.

  • 3) Prepare our youth to participate in the economic transformation and digitization of the workplace through education, training, and employment in the digital economy.

Meet the Team

  • Tina Wei Smith

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  • Rosanna Hutcheson

    DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS & EMPLOYER PARTNERSHIPS

  • Channing Francis

    DIRECTOR OF WORK-BASED LEARNING

  • Brandy Crase

    COMMUNICATIONS & PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Board Members

Kevin Smith

Delaney Stephens

Roger Kobel

Grant Mills

Our Partners

Funders

Our work is made possible by the generous support of organizations that believe in our mission. Their contributions help fund key programs, expand opportunities for students, and provide the resources needed to make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.


Community Partners

Our community partners provide essential support that helps Rural Up operate effectively and expand its impact. These organizations contribute in various ways, including offering training, assisting with personnel management, serving as our fiscal sponsor, providing transportation, and more. Their collaboration strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality learning experiences and ensure that students have access to the resources they need to succeed.


Employers

Local and regional employers play a vital role in Rural Up by offering internships, mentorship, and career exposure, with a strong focus on STEM-related fields. Their involvement helps students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, giving them the experience and confidence to pursue careers in high-growth industries


Participating Schools

We partner with schools dedicated to expanding educational and career opportunities for their students. Through these collaborations, we connect students with industry professionals, resources, and hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between education and the workforce

Rural Up thrives through collaboration with key partners who share our vision of connecting students to meaningful career pathways, with a strong emphasis on STEM education. These partnerships enable us to provide hands-on learning experiences, mentorship, and essential resources that prepare students for success in high-demand fields.

Join Us

Make an impact today

Support our mission by contributing a donation or joining us as a corporate partner.

Your support is vital to ensuring that students in Eastern Kentucky have access to life-changing STEM education, internships, and mentorships. Every dollar invested in Rural Up helps bridge the gap between education and career opportunities, allowing students to develop the skills they need to succeed—right here at home.

By making a donation or becoming a corporate partner, you can help fund STEM camps, internships, mentorship initiatives, and other hands-on learning experiences. Your support empowers the next generation of innovators, leaders, and problem-solvers to build a brighter future for our region—one opportunity at a time.