Workforce Project Asset List
Please click on the regions in the map below to see Workforce development projects specific to that region.
If you have any questions, or would like to add a resource, please contact John “J.P.” Hamm.
All Programs
| Project/Program | Project Description | Target Audience | ADD | hf:doc_categories | hf:doc_tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baptist Health Medical Group Pre-Med Academy | Established in 2016, the Pre-Med Academy offers an eight-week, paid summer internship for college students exploring medical careers. Over 250 participants have gained hands-on experience through clinical rotations in physician practices and hospital departments such as surgery, emergency, and rehabilitation at Baptist Health Paducah. The program immerses students in health care environments, helping them envision future careers and providing experiences to strengthen medical school applications. Applications open in February, with a deadline of April 1. The academy collaborates with the Purchase Area Health Education Center and its Letters from Home program. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Purchase | post-secondary workforce-asset | purchase |
| Baptist Health Paducah Career Discovery Club | Launched during the 2014–2015 school year, the Career Discovery Club introduces high school students to health care careers through hands-on demonstrations led by professionals in fields such as medicine, nursing, radiology, and more. Members meet monthly from October through March, with the program culminating in a health care career jamboree. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | High School | Purchase | high-school workforce-asset | purchase |
| Baptist Health Paducah Clinical Career Development Program | The Clinical Career Development Program at Baptist Health Paducah supports students in achieving their career goals while gaining valuable work experience. Open to local high school graduates of health science programs from the Paducah Innovation Hub, this initiative provides paid part-time positions, mentorship, and professional development opportunities as participants pursue degrees in nursing, surgical technology, radiography, respiratory therapy, or medical laboratory science. With opportunities for scholarships, minimal student debt, and competitive starting pay, the program helps students build rewarding careers in health care. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Purchase | post-secondary workforce-asset | purchase |
| Bluegrass Planning Consortium | For over 40 years, the Bluegrass Planning Consortium has partnered educators with employers to coordinate clinical rotations seamlessly. This collaborative approach is considered a best practice compared to the “first come, first serve” model used elsewhere in the state. Efforts are underway to share this model with other regions. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | Post-secondary | Bluegrass | post-secondary workforce-asset | bluegrass |
| Bridging the Gap (BTG) Medical Interpreter Course | Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a 40-hour course offered in partnership with the South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) and Community Action of Southern Kentucky. This program trains bilingual speakers to facilitate communication between service providers and individuals with limited English proficiency. BTG is widely recognized by medical facilities nationwide and is designed for health educators, health care providers, lay interpreters, and bilingual community members interested in medical interpreting. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Upskilling | Barren River | upskilling workforce-asset | barren-river |
| Bus to Business® | Bus to Business® is a statewide initiative designed to bridge the gap between classrooms and careers, equipping students to make informed career choices. Hospitals across the state have participated by hosting students for a variety of work-based learning experiences. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com Bus to Business® | High School | Statewide | high-school workforce-asset | statewide |
| C.H.A.R.G.E. (Creating Healthcare Advancement Opportunities to Promote Rural Kentucky Undergraduate Nursing Excellence) | C.H.A.R.G.E. introduces students interested in nursing to the field through monthly virtual and in-person workshops. The program includes job shadowing opportunities and advising support to help participants explore nursing career pathways. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | High School | Purchase | high-school workforce-asset | purchase |
| Career and Technical Education Health Science Learning Pathway for Work Based Learning (FUSION) | Christian County Public Schools (CCPS) FUSION Pathway Website: christian.kyschools.us/fusion | High School | Pennyrile | high-school workforce-asset | pennyrile |
| Central and NKY Collaborative | Launched in late 2023, the Central and Northern Kentucky TPM® Collaborative focuses on three key priorities: improving K-12 engagement, creating grant funding opportunities for training and upskilling, and addressing clinical rotation scheduling and staffing challenges. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | High School | Northern Kentucky | high-school workforce-asset | northern-kentucky |
| Challenger Learning Center | The Pikeville Medical Center Workforce Innovation Center provides participating middle school classes with project-based instructional materials and activities aligned with Kentucky science core content. Upon completing the curriculum, students take a memorable trip to the Challenger Learning Center to participate in the new program, “Artemis-Mission ECHO” (exploring community healthcare occupations). TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | K-8 | Big Sandy | k-8 workforce-asset | big-sandy |
| Clinical Education and Student Rotation Assistance | The South Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC) supports clinical education and student rotations by connecting students with qualified preceptors and assisting with housing options for away rotations. Website: wku.edu/scahec/studentclinicalrotations.php | Post-secondary | Barren River | post-secondary workforce-asset | barren-river |
| College Rural Scholars | The College Rural Scholar Program, offered through the University of Louisville Trover Campus, supports students from rural western Kentucky counties who aspire to become physicians and return to serve similar communities. Students are nominated early in their college careers and receive a small academic scholarship during their last three years. Scholars also participate in a three-week summer session each year. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Pennyrile | post-secondary workforce-asset | pennyrile |
| Continuing Education Courses | South Central AHEC Continuing Education Website: wku.edu/scahec/calendar/index.php | Upskilling | Barren River | upskilling workforce-asset | barren-river |
| Eastern Kentucky Collaborative | Launched in November 2023, the Eastern Kentucky Collaborative brings together HR directors, workforce development coordinators, and educators across the region to address the unique needs of eastern Kentucky. The collaboration focuses on three key areas: improving K-12 engagement, creating grant funding opportunities for training and upskilling, and addressing challenges in clinical rotation scheduling and staffing. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | Upskilling | Big Sandy | upskilling workforce-asset | big-sandy |
| Fair Chance Academy (FCA) | The Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Workforce Recovery Program launched the first-ever Fair Chance Academy in May 2022. The academy provides businesses with training and resources to create fair chance workplaces that offer transformational employment opportunities. To date, 100 Kentuckians have participated in the first four cohorts of companies certified as fair chance employers, including eight healthcare organizations. Website: kentuckycomeback.com/fairchanceacademy/ | Upskilling | Statewide | upskilling workforce-asset | statewide |
| Future Docs | Future Docs is a pre-med preparation program hosted by Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) for students attending Berea College, Centre College, Eastern Kentucky University, Union College, and the University of the Cumberlands. The program offers Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) preparation, personal statement support, medical school application guidance, and career development resources to help students strengthen their competitiveness as future medical school applicants. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Bluegrass, Lake Cumberland | post-secondary workforce-asset | bluegrass lake-cumberland |
| Future Healthcare Professionals | Future Healthcare Professionals (FHP) is a free program hosted by the South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) to introduce high school students to health care careers. Activities take place during evenings, school hours, or breaks and include hands-on experiences, service projects, guest speakers, and field trips. Past activities have included CPR/first aid certification, suturing lessons, solving medical forensics cases, intubation training, and vital sign measurement. Website: wku.edu/scahec/fhp.php | High School | Barren River | high-school workforce-asset | barren-river |
| Future Healthcare Professionals (FHP) Program | The Future Healthcare Professionals program is a monthly career exploration initiative led by West Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in partnership with local hospitals. Designed for high school students, the program combines health career presentations, postsecondary guidance, and interactive job shadowing with health care professionals. Students learn directly from the field, gaining insights into training requirements and daily responsibilities across clinical disciplines. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | High School | Green River, Pennyrile | high-school workforce-asset | green-river pennyrile |
| Future Physicians Program | Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital’s Future Physicians Program offers undergraduate pre-medicine students a comprehensive shadowing experience. Participants shadow physicians and advanced practice clinicians, gaining over 150 hours of hands-on exposure. Students receive a $1,000 stipend upon completing the summer program. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Purchase | post-secondary workforce-asset | purchase |
| Gaps2Gowns Nursing Pipeline Program | Hosted by North Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Gaps2Gowns Nursing Pipeline Program supports high school students exploring careers in nursing. Participants complete two Health Education Systems Incorporated (HESI) practice exams and receive guided study in key subjects, including biology, chemistry, algebra, and reading comprehension. Students also engage virtually with a Health Career Coordinator to develop essential professional skills such as taking vital signs, conducting patient interviews, and building résumés. The program aims to prepare students for future job shadowing opportunities with local hospitals. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | High School | Bluegrass, Northern Kentucky | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass northern-kentucky |
| GenAI Summit Series | Health Careers Collaborative of Greater Louisville (HCCGL) Workforce Summit | Post-secondary | Kentuckiana Works | post-secondary workforce-asset | kentuckiana-works |
| Greater Louisville Collaborative | The Greater Louisville Collaborative, hosted by the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, launched in March 2024. This group of hospital employers focuses on understanding the supply and demand of the regional health care workforce before setting priorities for action. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | Post-secondary | Kentuckiana Works | post-secondary workforce-asset | kentuckiana-works |
| Greenview Shadowing Program | Hosted by the South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Greenview Shadowing Program offers an immersive eight-week experience for college students pursuing pre-health profession pathways. Participants rotate through multiple departments at Greenview Regional Hospital, observing health care professionals across a range of specialties. The program provides direct exposure to clinical settings and allows students to explore a variety of health care careers through structured, real-world shadowing. Website: https://www.wku.edu/scahec/greenviewshadowing.php | Post-secondary | Barren River, Lake Cumberland, Lincoln Trail | post-secondary workforce-asset | barren-river lake-cumberland lincoln-trail |
| Health Care Careers in a Day (HCIAD) | Health Care Careers in a Day is a full-day, interactive event designed to increase student awareness of in-demand careers in the health care field. Participants rotate through hands-on stations led by professionals representing various specialties and engage in a panel discussion to gain firsthand insight into health care roles and work environments. The day concludes with a student-led group presentation, reinforcing key takeaways and encouraging reflection on health career pathways. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | High School | Bluegrass, Northern Kentucky | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass northern-kentucky |
| Health Career Job Shadowing | West Area Health Education Center (AHEC) offers structured job shadowing opportunities for high school and postsecondary students seeking firsthand exposure to health care careers. Participants are matched with professionals across various clinical and administrative settings, enabling them to observe day-to-day responsibilities and gain deeper insight into health career pathways. These experiences help students make informed choices about their future education and employment goals. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | High School, Post-secondary | Green River, Pennyrile | high-school post-secondary workforce-asset | green-river pennyrile |
| Health Careers Pathway Partnership Program (H3P) Support Services | Offered through the Big Sandy Community Action Program, the Health Career Pathway Partnership Program (H3P) provides employment and training services for adults, laid-off workers, and dislocated workers. Supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the program serves Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike counties. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | Upskilling | Big Sandy | upskilling workforce-asset | big-sandy |
| Health Careers Summer Camp | Hosted by North Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in partnership with Gateway Community and Technical College (GCTC), the Health Careers Summer Camp is a two-week annual event at GCTC’s Edgewood Campus. Two cohorts of students engage in interactive, hands-on activities led by health care professionals, providing early exposure to a variety of careers. Participants also have the opportunity to earn CPR certification through the American Heart Association. Each student receives a certificate of completion for inclusion in their professional portfolio. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | High School | Bluegrass, Northern Kentucky | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass northern-kentucky |
| Health Occupations Today (HOT) Expo | Hosted by Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Health Occupations Today (HOT) Expo is a one-day event designed for high school students exploring careers in health care. Each participating school is assigned a one-hour session in the exhibit hall, where students rotate through interactive demonstrations and hands-on medical activities. Attendees engage with health care professionals, college health students, and instructors, while also learning about health care career pathways and financial aid options for post-secondary education. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School | Bluegrass, Lake Cumberland | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass lake-cumberland |
| Health Professions Application Support | South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) offers free support services for students applying to health professional schools, including mock interviews and personal statement reviews. Students participate in one-on-one mock interviews with AHEC staff and receive individualized feedback to help strengthen their communication and interview responses. AHEC staff also provide detailed, constructive feedback on personal statements to help students effectively convey their experiences, motivations, and goals. Website: https://www.wku.edu/scahec/mockinterview.php | Post-secondary | Barren River, Lake Cumberland, Lincoln Trail | post-secondary workforce-asset | barren-river lake-cumberland lincoln-trail |
| Healthcare Occupation Students of America (HOSA) | HOSA is an organization dedicated to developing leadership and technical skill competencies for secondary and post-secondary students. Its mission is to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care by providing students with opportunities for knowledge, skill, and leadership development to meet the needs of the health care community. Website: kyhosa.org | High School | Statewide | high-school workforce-asset | statewide |
| Healthcare Pathways Partnership Program (H3P) | The Health Career Pathway Partnership Program (H3P), led by the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (EKCEP), supports unemployed and underemployed individuals in pursuing nursing careers. The program helps employees advance in their careers while receiving mentorship and support to encourage upward mobility. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | Upskilling | Big Sandy | upskilling workforce-asset | big-sandy |
| HealthCARE Summer Camp | HealthCARE Summer Camp is a weeklong immersive experience for high school students interested in exploring health care careers. Offered in partnership with Madisonville Community College (MCC), the camp features hands-on activities led by health care professionals and instructors. Participants rotate through various disciplines and have the opportunity to earn CPR certification by the end of the camp. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | High School | Green River, Pennyrile | high-school workforce-asset | green-river pennyrile |
| HealthForce Kentucky | HealthForce Kentucky inspires students to pursue health care careers by providing access to advanced instruction and technology. This initiative involves nine colleges and universities and numerous school districts across 16 counties in western Kentucky. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Green River | post-secondary workforce-asset | green-river |
| High School Rural Scholars | The High School Rural Scholars Program allows students to observe health care services in their home counties while preparing for college entrance exams. Participants split their time between shadowing local health care professionals and engaging in academic preparation. The University of Louisville Trover Campus serves as the program’s central support site. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | High School | Pennyrile | high-school workforce-asset | pennyrile |
| Jobs for Kentucky Graduates (JAG) | Jobs for Kentucky Graduates (JAG KY) helps students at participating high schools develop essential skills in career planning, job attainment, retention, leadership, financial literacy, and more. Students are recruited through their guidance counselors or school faculty and administrators. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School | Statewide | high-school workforce-asset | statewide |
| Kentucky HealthCorps | The Kentucky HealthCorps program provides funding and resources for high school students to work part-time in nonprofit hospitals and long-term care facilities. Roles include positions such as state-registered nurse aides. TPM® project managers connect eligible hospitals to local high school health care pathways through this partnership between AmeriCorps and Family Scholar House. Website: www.kyhealthcorps.org | High School | Statewide | high-school workforce-asset | statewide |
| King’s Daughters Medical Center Scholars Program | The King’s Daughters Health Foundation awards annual scholarships to area students pursuing degrees in health care. These scholarships aim to support the next generation of health care professionals by easing the financial burden of higher education. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School | FIVCO | high-school workforce-asset | fivco |
| KY VALOR | KY VALOR helps Kentucky businesses thrive by connecting them with highly skilled veterans and transitioning service members. With national recruiting reach and direct referral network, the team works to help businesses fill workforce gaps quickly and efficiently with job-ready candidates — including military spouses and family members — who offer proven leadership, discipline and technical expertise. Personalized support works to help service members translate military training, experience and education into a recognized license or credential here in the bluegrass. Whether hiring for one position or growing a team, KY VALOR delivers a mission-ready talent pool that gets the job done. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Military | Statewide | military workforce-asset | statewide |
| Letters from Home | The Letters from Home initiative connects pre-health care profession students to the Purchase region by fostering communication between students, regional hospitals, and the Purchase Area Health Education Center (AHEC) team. This program encourages medical students to return to the region to practice medicine in the future. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Purchase | post-secondary workforce-asset | purchase |
| Lexington Summer Youth Job Training Program | The Lexington Summer Youth Job Training Program is a six-week, paid employment initiative administered by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s Partners for Youth. Designed to provide students aged 14 to 17 with valuable early career exposure and essential soft skills development, the program connects youth with a wide range of local employers. In 2025, the University of Kentucky expanded its long-running summer youth program, established in 2001, by partnering for the first time with the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s Partners for Youth program. This collaboration facilitated placements for 29 students across various departments within UK HealthCare and the UK campus. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | High School | Bluegrass | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass |
| Livingston Hospital Patient Care Technician (PCT) Program | Livingston Hospital offers a Patient Care Technician (PCT) class as part of its commitment to training and retaining staff through internal programs. The program includes a four-day classroom and skills training course followed by a guided internship across multiple hospital departments for hands-on experience. Participants benefit from incentives such as higher pay upon completion. In collaboration with local schools, this initiative also serves as a co-op program, exposing students to health care roles early and fostering interest in long-term employment in the field. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | High School | Purchase | high-school workforce-asset | purchase |
| Marshall County Hospital EMT-B Course | Marshall County Hospital partners with the Marshall County Ambulance Service to offer an EMT-B Course. The program selects six top applicants to provide hands-on skills training, instruction in medical and trauma care, and exposure to EMS operations. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Purchase | post-secondary workforce-asset | purchase |
| Medical Observation Opportunity Network (M.O.O.N.) Program | The M.O.O.N. Program introduces high school students to careers as physicians and advanced practice providers. Participants observe practitioners in diverse settings, including office environments, inpatient/outpatient areas, and operating rooms. The program also includes hands-on activities, panel discussions, and other educational experiences. Website: stelizabeth.com/care/community-outreach-menu/moon/ | High School | Northern Kentucky | high-school workforce-asset | northern-kentucky |
| Middle School Health Career Explorers Labs | Health Career Explorers Labs provide early exposure to health care professions for middle school students through engaging, hands-on learning modules. Students choose from career tracks such as nursing, sports medicine, medicine, or dentistry. Each module incorporates career-focused activities designed to build foundational knowledge, introduce medical terminology, and develop basic clinical skills. The program encourages early interest in health careers through interactive and age-appropriate content. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | K-8 | Green River, Pennyrile | k-8 workforce-asset | green-river pennyrile |
| Military Hiring Academy (MHA) | The Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s Military Hiring Academy provides businesses with tools to recruit, hire, and retain military talent, including veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. This program bridges the gap between employers’ talent needs and the military community’s search for meaningful civilian employment. A key focus is connecting transitioning military members with health care experience to opportunities within Kentucky’s health care facilities. Website: kychamber.com/military-hiring-academy | Upskilling | Statewide | upskilling workforce-asset | statewide |
| Murray-Calloway County Hospital Nurse Extern program | The Nurse Extern Program at Murray-Calloway County Hospital (MCCH) provides nursing students with hands-on clinical experience, professional development, and personalized mentorship as they prepare to enter the health care workforce. Participants work alongside licensed preceptors to develop their skills and gain real-world patient care experience. The program also serves as a key recruitment initiative for MCCH, with many graduates continuing their nursing careers at the hospital. These externs enhance the health care team and contribute to delivering high-quality care to the community. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Purchase | post-secondary workforce-asset | purchase |
| My Healthcare Investigation Book | My Healthcare Investigation Book & Pikeville Medical Center Inspires Healthcare Project Fair | K-8 | Big Sandy | k-8 workforce-asset | big-sandy |
| Next Nurse Program | Hosted by Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), in partnership with Appalachian Regional Healthcare and Union Commonwealth University, the Next Nurse Program introduces high school students to careers in nursing through guided, hands-on exploration. Program activities include hospital tours, professional mentorship, and interactive sessions that help students understand nursing career pathways, educational requirements, and real-world work environments. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School | Bluegrass, Lake Cumberland | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass lake-cumberland |
| North Central Health Career Presentations and Clubs | Offered by North Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC), Health Career Presentations are available to high schools on an as-requested basis. Each fall, Health Career Coordinators update and distribute a presentation catalog to schools within their assigned counties. Building on these classroom relationships, North Central AHEC also offers Health Career Clubs, weekly or monthly programs designed to engage students in hands-on health career exploration and deepen their understanding of pathways in the health care field. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | High School | Bluegrass, Northern Kentucky | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass northern-kentucky |
| North Central Health Career Showcase | The Annual North Central Health Career Showcase offers high school students from across North Central AHEC’s service region the opportunity to explore more than 30 health care career pathways. Held each fall at Northern Kentucky University and each spring at Gateway Community and Technical College, the event features interactive sessions with health care professionals and access to state-of-the-art simulation labs. Each student receives a Health Career Matrix, a guide to health care education programs available at colleges and universities across Kentucky. In 2024, the showcase welcomed more than 700 participants, with continued growth anticipated in future years. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | High School | Bluegrass, Northern Kentucky | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass northern-kentucky |
| North Central Health Careers Job Shadowing Program | The Health Careers Job Shadowing program provides structured job shadowing opportunities for high school and pre-med students interested in pursuing a career in health care. Participants observe professionals across various health care settings, gaining firsthand exposure to daily responsibilities, work environments, and career pathways. These experiences help students make informed decisions about their future in the health care field. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | High School, Post-secondary | Bluegrass, Northern Kentucky | high-school post-secondary workforce-asset | bluegrass northern-kentucky |
| Northeast Kentucky AHEC | For over 30 years, the Northeast Kentucky Area Health Education Center (NE AHEC) has enhanced health care access and education in northeastern Kentucky. In partnership with St. Claire Regional Medical Center (SCR) and the University of Kentucky (UK), NE AHEC supports unique health careers and educational initiatives, including UK’s Rural Physician Leadership Program and the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine hub sites. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School | Gateway | high-school workforce-asset | gateway |
| Nurse P.A.T.H. (Preparing Aspiring Teens for Healthcare) | Nurse P.A.T.H. (Preparing Aspiring Teens for Healthcare) is a focused exploration program for high school students interested in pursuing nursing careers. Through monthly virtual and in-person sessions, participants engage with nurses from diverse specialties and complete shadowing experiences aligned with each discipline. Students receive nursing entrance exam preparation resources and meet with the Nursing Program Coordinator at Madisonville Community College to review admissions requirements. Graduates of the program earn a certificate of completion and are invited to advance to the next level of Nurse P.A.T.H. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | High School | Green River, Pennyrile | high-school workforce-asset | green-river pennyrile |
| Nursing Educator Institute (NEI) | Conversations with hospitals have identified a statewide need for additional clinical and nursing program faculty. In partnership with the Health Careers Collaborative of Greater Louisville (HCCGL) and the CEO Council (CEOc), stakeholders are exploring a pilot training program in Louisville to address this gap. The initiative targets current nurses and retirees eligible to teach, helping to expand the nursing faculty pipeline. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | Post-secondary | Kentuckiana Works | post-secondary workforce-asset | kentuckiana-works |
| Path2Med | Path2Med is a program designed for undergrad pre-med students to understand the medical school admissions process better. Pre-med students are paired with a medical student mentor to help prepare them for med school through application help, personal statement prep, and mock interviews. This program meets weekly in the summer and allows students to build and maintain connections with medical students and other professionals that will help them on their journey to become physicians. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Bluegrass, Lake Cumberland | post-secondary workforce-asset | bluegrass lake-cumberland |
| Pathway Pioneers | In partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s TPM® project team hosted two virtual Pathway Pioneer events for high school students statewide. One event highlighted nursing career pathways, while the other focused on allied health career pathways and regional employers. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | High School | Statewide | high-school workforce-asset | statewide |
| Pharmacy Technician Pipeline Program | Offered by North Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Pharmacy Technician Pipeline Program is a self-paced opportunity for high school students interested in pursuing certification as pharmacy technicians. The program combines an online curriculum with in-person instructional sessions to prepare students for the certification exam. Eligible participants (Kentucky residents aged 16 and older) may earn their Pharmacy Technician certification upon successful program completion and passage of the exam. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | High School | Bluegrass, Northern Kentucky | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass northern-kentucky |
| Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) Medical Academy | The Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) Medical Academy offers eighth and ninth grade students the opportunity to shadow medical professionals on the Pikeville campus. In its first year, the program hosted 25 students, providing hands-on exposure to health care careers through this innovative initiative. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | K-8 | Big Sandy | k-8 workforce-asset | big-sandy |
| Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) Project HEART (Healthcare Employment Around Regional Training) | The Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) Project HEART (Healthcare Employment Around Regional Training) initiative addresses eastern Kentucky’s nursing shortage by providing financial and educational support for health care careers. With millions of dollars in pledged funding and a network of collaborators, Project HEART has enabled hundreds of students to access affordable training for sustainable careers in health care. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Big Sandy | post-secondary workforce-asset | big-sandy |
| Prematriculation Program | The University of Louisville Trover Campus Prematriculation Program prepares incoming medical students for their first year through a three-week summer experience. The program introduces students to academic, clinical, and community medicine in a supportive environment. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Pennyrile | post-secondary workforce-asset | pennyrile |
| Purchase AHEC Community Action Poverty Simulation | The Community Action Poverty Simulation, hosted by the Purchase Area Health Education Center (AHEC), provides participants with an immersive experience to better understand poverty. Participants simulate living one month in poverty, gaining valuable insights into patient experiences, history, and care. This program currently targets nursing students at Murray State University. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Purchase | post-secondary workforce-asset | purchase |
| Purchase AHEC Rural Scholars | The Rural Scholars Program, sponsored by the Purchase Area Health Education Center (AHEC), is a four-week summer program designed to introduce rural students to health and medical professions. Scholars gain exposure to community and population-based health issues in rural areas, with priority given to students from the Purchase Region. Participants are selected based on their interest in rural health care. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Purchase | post-secondary workforce-asset | purchase |
| Purchase Area Health Education Center (AHEC) | The Purchase Area Health Education Center (AHEC) offers student support services to better prepare undergraduate students for health care careers. Services include job shadowing assistance, non-academic advising, personal statement reviews, interview preparation for medical school or graduate programs, and testing preparation for exams such as the MCAT and GRE. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Purchase | post-secondary workforce-asset | purchase |
| South Central AHEC Connect | AHEC Connect is a free, three-month virtual mentorship program hosted by South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC). The program pairs undergraduate pre-health professions students with current professional school students in those same fields. Through guided conversations and structured mentor-mentee engagement, participants gain insight into academic preparation, clinical training, and career expectations. With a minimal time commitment, AHEC Connect provides a meaningful and realistic perspective for students exploring health care professions. Website: https://www.wku.edu/scahec/ahecconnect.php | Post-secondary | Barren River, Lake Cumberland, Lincoln Trail | post-secondary workforce-asset | barren-river lake-cumberland lincoln-trail |
| South Central Collaborative | The South Central TPM® Collaborative, hosted by the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, brings together hospitals from the Barren River, Lake Cumberland, and Lincoln Trail Area Development Districts to address workforce needs through employer-driven solutions. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | Upskilling | Barren River | upskilling workforce-asset | barren-river |
| South Central Health Career Explorers | Health Career Explorers is a program for high school students hosted by local hospitals in partnership with the South Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Students visit hospital departments, interact with health professionals, and learn about various health careers. In some departments, students participate in simulated medical procedures. Website: wku.edu/scahec/explorers.php | High School | Lincoln Trail | high-school workforce-asset | lincoln-trail |
| South Central Kentucky (SCK) Launch | South Central Kentucky (SCK) Launch is an annual event hosted by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce that introduces eighth graders in Warren and surrounding counties to local career opportunities, including careers in health care. Website: scklaunch.com | K-8 | Barren River | k-8 workforce-asset | barren-river |
| South Central KY AHEC – Health Profession Test Prep Program | Hosted by South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Test Prep Advantage Program supports students preparing to apply to medical, optometry, or dental school. Participants receive comprehensive test preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), Optometry Admission Test (OAT), or Dental Admission Test (DAT), along with job shadowing opportunities and individualized support for crafting personal statements. The program also includes a mock professional school interview, helping students build confidence and strengthen their communication skills. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Barren River, Lake Cumberland, Lincoln Trail | post-secondary workforce-asset | barren-river lake-cumberland lincoln-trail |
| South Central KY AHEC-Community Action Poverty Simulation | Led by South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Community Action Poverty Simulation is a 2–2.5-hour interactive experience designed to build awareness and empathy around the realities of living in poverty. Participants assume the roles of individuals and families navigating limited resources, unexpected challenges, and complex community systems. The simulation fosters a deeper understanding of the barriers faced by those in poverty and encourages compassion and insight among future health care professionals. Website: https://www.wku.edu/scahec/ | Post-secondary | Barren River, Lake Cumberland, Lincoln Trail | post-secondary workforce-asset | barren-river lake-cumberland lincoln-trail |
| South Central Letters from Home | The Letters from Home initiative connects pre-health care profession students to the South Central region by fostering communication between students, regional hospitals, and the South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) team. This program encourages medical students to return to the region to practice medicine in the future. Website: https://www.wku.edu/scahec/lettersfromhome.php | Post-secondary | Barren River, Lake Cumberland, Lincoln Trail | post-secondary workforce-asset | barren-river lake-cumberland lincoln-trail |
| South Central Rural Health Scholars | Rural Health Scholars (RHS) is a four-week summer program hosted by the South Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC) for undergraduate students pursuing pre-professional tracks such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and physical therapy. The program immerses students in rural Kentucky health care through unique experiences that highlight the challenges, advantages, and community resources involved in treating rural populations. Participants receive a stipend for their involvement. Website: wku.edu/scahec/rhs.php | Post-secondary | Barren River | post-secondary workforce-asset | barren-river |
| Southeast Kentucky AHEC | The Southeast Kentucky Area Health Education Center (SE AHEC) works to enhance access to quality health care by increasing the supply and distribution of health care professionals through community and academic educational partnerships. Serving 16 counties in southeastern Kentucky, SE AHEC offers clinical rotations in rural practice settings and health career programming in local schools to prepare youth for health care careers. The organization also supports communities by providing continuing education for health care professionals and medical library services through the Hazard Appalachian Regional Healthcare Medical Center. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School | Big Sandy | high-school workforce-asset | big-sandy |
| Southern AHEC Connect | Southern AHEC Connect is a free, four-month virtual mentorship program hosted by Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC). Designed for undergraduate students interested in medicine, physician assistant studies, or dentistry careers, the program pairs participants with current health professionals or professional school students. Mentees receive career guidance, admissions insight, and academic support through structured virtual communication to help them navigate their path into the health care field. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Bluegrass, Lake Cumberland | post-secondary workforce-asset | bluegrass lake-cumberland |
| Southern Classroom Health Career Presentations | Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) offers interactive health career presentations for middle and high school classrooms across the region. Presentations are tailored to teacher requests and designed to complement core curriculum. Sessions often include hands-on demonstrations and may feature guest speakers from the health care field, providing students with real-world insights into various career pathways. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School, K-8 | Bluegrass, Lake Cumberland | high-school k-8 workforce-asset | bluegrass lake-cumberland |
| Southern Future Health Professions Program | In partnership with Somerset Community and Technical College, Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) offers the Future Health Professions Program, a career exploration club for high school students. The program introduces students to Somerset Community College’s work-ready health care training programs, dual credit opportunities, and hands-on learning activities. It is designed to encourage student interest and support pathways into the health care workforce. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School | Bluegrass, Lake Cumberland | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass lake-cumberland |
| Southern Health Career Camp | Hosted by Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Health Career Camp is a two-day event for high school students, from incoming freshmen to seniors, across the SoAHEC service region. In collaboration with local academic institutions and health care partners, the camp features hands-on activities that introduce students to a wide range of health care careers. The experience is designed to spark interest in health-focused education and training pathways. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School | Bluegrass, Lake Cumberland | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass lake-cumberland |
| Southern HOSA Regional Competition Support | Southern Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) provides ongoing support to high school students and school systems participating in regional Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) competitions. AHEC offers guidance and resources to help students prepare for success at the regional level and advance to state-level competitions. Additional support is available for students who qualify for national competition, ensuring continuity and readiness throughout every stage of participation. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School | Bluegrass, Lake Cumberland | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass lake-cumberland |
| St. Claire Academic-Practice Scholarship Program | The St. Claire Academic-Practice Scholarship Program provides $150,000 in scholarships to Maysville Community and Technical College (MCTC) students. This partnership between St. Claire Healthcare and MCTC removes financial barriers to education, supporting students in pursuing health care careers. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | High School | Gateway | high-school workforce-asset | gateway |
| St. Elizabeth Healthcare Exploration Program | This competitive program, hosted by North Central Area Health Education Center (AHEC) in partnership with St. Elizabeth Healthcare, is open to high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Students meet one evening per month from October through March at a St. Elizabeth location to explore health care careers through simulations, hands-on activities, and real-world medical scenarios. Experiences include robotic and laparoscopic tool demonstrations, therapy and lab activities, and emergency room simulations. Participants also engage directly with health care professionals to gain insight into clinical environments and career pathways. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | High School | Bluegrass, Northern Kentucky | high-school workforce-asset | bluegrass northern-kentucky |
| State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) Course | The South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC) offers a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) course annually during the summer. Designed for students entering or currently enrolled in undergraduate programs, this course provides valuable health care experience. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Barren River | post-secondary workforce-asset | barren-river |
| STEPS (Successfully Training and Educating Pre-Medical Students)/Future Doc | STEPS (Successfully Training and Educating Pre-Medical Students)/Future Doc is a comprehensive pre-medical support program for students preparing to apply to medical school. Participants receive Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) preparation through The Princeton Review, gain clinical experience through job shadowing, and receive one-on-one support for personal statements and mock interviews. The program is designed to strengthen medical school applications while building confidence and communication skills for future physicians. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Green River, Pennyrile | post-secondary workforce-asset | green-river pennyrile |
| Student Rural Health Association (SRHA)-Western Kentucky University | Supported by the South Central Kentucky Area Health Education Center (AHEC), the Student Rural Health Association (SRHA) is open to all post-secondary students interested in rural health careers. SRHA promotes awareness of rural health care issues, fosters student leadership, and connects members with service and learning opportunities relevant to rural practice. Website: https://www.wku.edu/scahec/srha.php | Post-secondary | Barren River, Lake Cumberland, Lincoln Trail | post-secondary workforce-asset | barren-river lake-cumberland lincoln-trail |
| The Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program | The AHEC Scholars Program is a national initiative for students pursuing degrees or certificates in nursing or other health care-related fields. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and includes 40 hours of didactic learning and 40 hours of experiential training during the final two years of a health care program. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Statewide | post-secondary workforce-asset | statewide |
| University of Kentucky Healthcare Enterprise Student Nurse Academic Practicum (SNAP) | The Student Nurse Academic Practicum (SNAP) at the University of Kentucky HealthCare provides nursing students with a paid clinical externship. Participants work under the supervision of a registered nurse preceptor, gaining hands-on experience and completing 300 clinical hours. The program enables students to apply their academic learning while assuming nursing responsibilities under guidance. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | Post-secondary | Bluegrass | post-secondary workforce-asset | bluegrass |
| University of Pikeville (UPIKE) and Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) Rural Health Nursing Fellowship | The University of Pikeville (UPIKE) and Pikeville Medical Center (PMC) Rural Health Nursing Fellowship allows students to earn an associate degree in nursing from UPIKE with the potential to graduate debt-free by committing to work at PMC as licensed registered nurses. TPM® regional project manager contact: Ashley Hatfield, ahatfield@kychamber.com | Post-secondary | Big Sandy | post-secondary workforce-asset | big-sandy |
| UofL Health’s Pathways to Nursing | UofL Health supports nursing students through three distinct pathways. The Career Mobility Program offers flexible scheduling and tuition assistance for Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) transitioning to Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and LPNs transitioning to Registered Nurses (RNs) in partnership with Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC). The Scholars Program provides up to $24,000 toward earning an RN degree from an accredited nursing school in exchange for a two-year work commitment. The Fully Funded Tuition Program covers the full cost of undergraduate nursing degrees at the University of Louisville, eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for students. Contact: John “J.P.” Hamm, jhamm@kyha.com | Post-secondary | Kentuckiana Works | post-secondary workforce-asset | kentuckiana-works |
| Warren County Career Shadowing | Warren County Career Shadowing, part of South Central Kentucky Launch (SCK Launch), provides small groups of high school students with the opportunity to observe professionals in the workplace. Students experience “a day in the life” at local businesses, gaining insights into career pathways, essential skills, and workplace expectations. Shadowing occurs during school hours at participating businesses. Website: scklaunch.com/career-shadowing/ | High School | Barren River | high-school workforce-asset | barren-river |
| West Health Career Presentations | West Area Health Education Center (AHEC) offers monthly Health Career Presentations in high school classrooms to introduce students to a wide range of health care professions. Presentations are tailored for students who are interested in health care but may be unsure of their career path. Each session includes an overview of health career options, college and training pathways, and interactive, hands-on activities aligned with a specific discipline to foster student engagement and awareness. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | High School, K-8 | Green River, Pennyrile | high-school k-8 workforce-asset | green-river pennyrile |
| Western Kentucky Collaborative | The Western Kentucky Collaborative, hosted by the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, brings together HR directors from across the region to address workforce needs. The collaborative has focused on K-12 outreach, upskilling opportunities, and establishing projects among various providers. TPM® regional project manager contact: Katie Walker, kwalker@kychamber.com | Upskilling | Pennyrile | upskilling workforce-asset | pennyrile |
| When I Grow Up | When I Grow Up: PMC Workforce Development Program | K-8 | Big Sandy | k-8 workforce-asset | big-sandy |