Career Pathways Alignment: Employment Strategy Spotlight
Employment Playbook: Strategy Spotlight
Overview
When young people secure work that pays a living wage, offers benefits, builds skills and provides purpose, they gain a trajectory toward long-term stability and opportunity. Communities can make this possible by aligning workforce systems, expanding access to internships and apprenticeships, engaging employers and ensuring every young person has the support and connections they need to launch a rewarding career.
In Eastern Kentucky, geographic isolation and limited job access have long stood between young people and stable work. The Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership aligns schools, colleges, employers and community partners to connect education to regional workforce demand. Through paid internships, dual credit and career pathways tied to high-demand industries, college and career readiness rose from 75.5% in 2021-2022 to 87.5% in 2024-2025. More than 72% of summer interns reported it was their first professional work experience. In a region that has faced persistent barriers, APPC2C is building the infrastructure that turns education into opportunity.
Playbook ChaptersEmployment Playbook
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