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.

Related News

Stay up to date with curated articles and updates from across the STEM education and workforce development landscape. Whether it’s emerging trends, research, or innovations in work-based learning, this section offers insights that inspire and inform our shared mission to support the next generation of innovators.

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.