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'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

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”

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.

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.

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