A rural region transforming opportunity

Across the rolling landscape of southeastern Kentucky, the Appalachian Cradle to Career Partnership connects communities, people and resources to work toward a future where all rural students succeed. AppC2C is a place-based partnership: a community coalition that connects nonprofits, businesses, schools, philanthropy and more, bringing together neighbors to build a stronger future for the region.

The partnership’s work focuses on the outcomes that lead to economic mobility — from kindergarten readiness to securing a living-wage job. Along the way, partners work to make sure young people have the support and skills they need to pursue their goals. AppC2C already sees high school graduation rates above the statewide average, and they’re using a robust, data-driven approach to improve this result. Once students graduate, they’re accessing more opportunity thanks to the work of the partnership: Across the region, postsecondary completion rates for all students increased from 5.9% in 2017 to 25.9% in 2023.

Through data use, community collaboration and tailored approaches that address the unique needs of their communities, AppC2C is creating a brighter future for Appalachian students. Learn more about the partnership’s story in the video above, and explore their work in specific outcome areas at the blog post links on this page.