News & Success Stories

At Rural Up, we’re proud to share the journeys of students, mentors, and employers who are shaping the future of our region. These stories highlight the real-world impact of hands-on learning, career exploration, and meaningful work-based experiences. From first internships to career breakthroughs, these successes represent what’s possible when opportunity meets potential.

Rural Up Awarded $500,000 ARC Grant to Launch Eastern Kentucky STEM Ecosystem

Matching KY G.R.A.N.T. Program support expands STEM opportunities for students and teachers across the region

December 5, 2025

Eastern Kentucky

Rural Up, with the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky serving as fiscal sponsor, has been awarded a $500,000 READY “Grants to Grow” grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to launch The Eastern Kentucky STEM Collaborative: Bridging the Digital Divide, Building Futures in STEM. The project is supported by $99,035 in matching funds from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s Government Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) Program.

The Eastern Kentucky STEM Collaborative will serve students, educators, and community partners throughout the region. Programming will include teacher professional development, hands-on STEM opportunities for students, quarterly stakeholder convenings, and the development of a regional workforce strategy and sustainability plan designed to connect education with workforce needs.

“This grant allows us to bring together schools, educators, employers, and community partners across multiple counties to create a truly regional STEM ecosystem,” says Tina Wei Smith, Executive Director of Rural Up. “By aligning education with workforce needs and local opportunities for both students and professionals, we can better prepare Eastern Kentucky students for today’s jobs and tomorrow’s careers.”

Rural Up will lead The Eastern Kentucky STEM Collaborative, while the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky provides fiscal sponsorship and administrative support. 

About Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)

The ARC READY initiative invests in coal-impacted communities to diversify economic opportunity and strengthen workforce development. This new investment positions Eastern Kentucky to expand digital skills, workforce readiness, and STEM career pathways for the next generation.

A Collaborative Approach

The Eastern Kentucky STEM Collaborative is designed to build a sustainable STEM ecosystem by connecting schools, employers, and community partners throughout the region. Through coalition building, teacher professional development, student opportunities, and regional convenings, the initiative will create stronger links between education and workforce development. By aligning local voices and resources, the project aims to deliver a regional STEM workforce strategy that strengthens career readiness and expands opportunities for students while positioning Eastern Kentucky for long-term economic growth.

 Rural Up Team Members Pictured from left to right: Brandy Crase (Communications and Program Coordinator), Channing Francis (Director of Work-Based Learning), Rosanna Hutcheson (Director of Operations and Employer Partnerships), Roger Kobel (Board Member), Tina Wei Smith (Executive Director), Delaney Stephens (Board Member)

Inaugural collaborative partners gather at the 2025 Kentucky Rural-Urban STEM Champions Summit. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Sheri McGuffin (Manager of Development and Innovation, AdvanceKentucky), Jennifer Travers-Skidmore (Principal Broker and Owner of Highland Heritage Realty), Dr. Jennifer Blanche Carter (Director, SpaceTrek, Center for STEM+eXcellence), Deborah Slone (Director of Public Relations, The Kloiber Foundation), Jeanette Tesmer (Executive Director, Living Arts & Science Center), Dr. Sandi Curd (Engagement Director, Kentucky Highlands)

Click the link below for more from ARC:
ARC Announcement

Rural Up Partners with UCU to Empower Future Leaders

Article by Masie Nelson, Vice President of University Relations, Union Commonwealth University.

Originally published on www.unionky.edu

November 25, 2025

Barbourville, KY

Union Commonwealth University (UCU) has announced the launch of its inaugural Presidential Fellows Program, a new leadership initiative created in partnership with Rural Up, an Eastern Kentucky-based nonprofit dedicated to expanding career pathways and professional development opportunities for students across rural communities. This work is made possible through funding Rural Up receives from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)’s POWER Grant and the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s KY GRANT program.

Applications are now open for the Spring 2026 cohort, with internship placements set to begin at the start of the upcoming semester. Students nominated by faculty or staff are currently completing the application process and will advance to on-campus interviews scheduled for December 4.

Designed to empower emerging student leaders, the UCU Presidential Fellows Program provides a comprehensive blend of career preparation, mentorship, and community engagement. Each Fellow will be matched with a paid internship aligned with their interests and major and will participate in bi-monthly seminars focused on leadership, communication, networking, and career readiness.

A defining feature of the program is its mentorship model. Every selected Fellow will be paired with an alumni mentor from UCU’s inaugural “50 Under 50” class, creating meaningful connections between current students and some of Union’s most accomplished young professionals. The UCU Alumni Office will begin outreach to prospective mentors in the coming weeks.

The program is powered by Rural Up under the leadership of Executive Director Tina Smith, wife of UCU alumnus Kevin Smith ’06, an attorney in London, KY, and co-founder and board chair of Rural Up. Together, the Smiths are advocates for Appalachia and passionate about providing opportunities for people to elevate themselves, their families, and ultimately their communities.

“Rural Up is committed to bringing career-connected opportunities to the students in the region through leadership development and paid work experiences,” says Kevin. “Union shaped my life in meaningful ways, so as an alumnus, we’re proud to partner with Union Commonwealth University to help students gain real-world experiences right here in Knox County and benefit from the kinds of opportunities Union provided me.”

UCU President Dr. DJ Washington expressed enthusiasm for the program’s launch and its long-term potential to shape the next generation of leaders.

“This program is about preparing students not just for jobs, but for lives of impact,” said Dr. Washington. “Through Rural Up’s partnership and the support of dedicated alumni mentors, we are creating a pathway for Union students to gain skills, build confidence, and contribute meaningfully to our campus and community.”

The inaugural class of UCU Presidential Fellows will be announced later this year, followed by additional updates as the program’s first semester unfolds.

Rural Up's Director of Work-Based Learning & Training, Channing Francis, leads Fall Cooperative Learning Students through orientation. 

Rural Up Wraps Up Summer Internships, Prepares Students for Fall Work-Based Learning

Local students made a big impact this summer, and a fresh group will now have the opportunity to build skills and earn school credit this semester

August 26, 2025

Pikeville, KY

As Rural Up wraps up its summer internships and prepares to launch its fall 2025 Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program, it is celebrating the success of 43 student participants who gained hands-on experience over the summer across a variety of career fields including government, education, tourism, the arts, and business.

This year’s summer Work-Based Learning Program, held in collaboration with Partners for Rural Impact, connected students from Buckhorn High School, Harlan County High School, Harlan Independent High School, Hazard Independent High School, and Letcher County High School with around 2 dozen employer partners which included local businesses and organizations, providing valuable hands-on learning and professional skill development.

“Summer internships give students the chance to apply what they learn in the classroom to meaningful projects that make a difference in their communities,” said Tina Wei Smith,


Executive Director of Rural Up.  “They also help our local businesses see firsthand the incredible talent our young people have to offer.”

Student interns dedicated hundreds of hours this summer, contributing to meaningful projects in a variety of career fields. Employers reported high satisfaction with their interns and many indicated they would be eager to host students again.

As the school year begins, Rural Up is launching its fall 2025 WBL Program, giving students the chance to gain hands-on career experience and earn school credit.

Local businesses interested in hosting a student intern or cooperative education participant may click the link below for more information and to complete an interest form.


Learn More About Hosting an Intern

“Rural Up Employer Partner Spotlight”

August 12, 2025

Hazard, KY

Rural Up partners with organizations in the region through our Work-Based Learning Program, giving students meaningful opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to their communities. Employer partners gain hands-on support for programs and projects while helping shape the next generation of skilled, engaged young adults.

The Appalachian Arts Alliance in Hazard, KY, is one example of a partner making an impact — hosting interns who bring creativity and energy to art classes, community murals, and other programs that enrich the local community. Director of Education Lindsey Branson reflects on how hosting interns strengthens her organization, expands its reach, and demonstrates the benefits of collaboration between employers and students, showing how these partnerships create meaningful experiences and lasting impact.

“You learn partnership and you also learn Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math … and that’s so much in one camp.”

Meet Abby as she shares her experience attending a Rural Up STEM Camp — from programming an AI game to discovering how teamwork makes learning even more powerful. Her love of math and dream of becoming a Pediatrician came alive through hands-on exploration in science, technology, engineering, and math.

July 11, 2025

Barbourville, KY

Harlan County students participating in Rural Up’s Summer Work-Based Learning Program gather for Orientation Day. Also pictured is Channing Francis, Rural Up’s Director of Work-Based Learning.

Students prepare for their summer internships.

Students participate in team-building activities during their orientation day.

Rural Up Launches Work-Based Learning Program

Teens Gain Real-World Experience While Staying Rooted in Their Communities

Rural Up has proudly launched our new Work-Based Learning (WBL) program, which will provide high school students throughout several Eastern Kentucky communities with hands-on internship experiences designed to prepare them for future careers.

In Harlan County, students are already stepping into professional roles in fields such as business,  tourism, and education.  These paid internships not only give students a firsthand look at potential career paths, but also allow them to build meaningful relationships with local leaders.  By connecting students with local employers, Rural Up not only prepares youth for meaningful careers, but also helps them see the opportunities in their own communities—strengthening the region’s workforce and future from within.

This effort includes a professional development series designed to deepen the internship experience. In addition to nearly 300 hours of hands-on work in local businesses and nonprofits, Rural Up hosts orientation and workshops focused on durable skills and career exploration. Students don’t just build résumés—they build confidence, purpose, and a connection to the communities they call home.

“These students are learning by doing - that’s what work-based learning is all about,” said Tina Wei Smith, Executive Director of Rural Up.  “They’re gaining skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in today’s workforce—all while staying connected to their local communities.”

Rural Up’s work-based learning program is powered by locally driven partnerships between schools, community leaders, and employers—connecting Eastern Kentucky youth with internships, mentorships, and skills training that bridge the gap between education and the modern workforce.

This effort is funded through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative and a matching grant from the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development’s G.R.A.N.T. Program. These public investments are bolstered by strong private-sector support, with local employers and community partners contributing matching funds to help sustain and grow the program.

In Harlan County, Rural Up partners with both Harlan County High School and Harlan Independent High School to identify motivated students and connect them with career-aligned experiences in their communities. Looking ahead, Rural Up plans to expand into additional Eastern Kentucky counties and introduce cooperative education placements during the school year—ensuring more students gain real-world experience while strengthening the local talent pipeline.

If your business would like to participate, visit our “Get Involved” page.

June 2, 2025

Harlan, KY

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