Empowering Eastern Kentucky’s Youth for a Brighter Future

We are dedicated to empowering the youth of Eastern Kentucky by connecting education to career opportunities. Through career-focused learning and skill-building, we prepare students for success in the 21st-century workforce.

Work-Based Learning

Building strong career pathways for young people is key to both their success and the growth of our region. Rural Up connects students with hands-on experiences that prepare them for the workforce while showing them they can build a fulfilling career close to home. By partnering with local employers, we help students gain the skills and connections they need while strengthening the regional workforce.

How We Make an Impact

  • Internships – Paid, hands-on experiences in fields like healthcare, technology, and business. Students develop technical and professional skills while working with local employers who benefit from shaping future talent.

  • Cooperative Education (Co-op) – Career-aligned employment that combines classroom learning with real-world work experience. Students earn income, gain industry knowledge, and build a foundation for their careers while employers cultivate a skilled workforce.

  • Mentorships – One-on-one guidance from experienced professionals, helping students explore career options, develop leadership skills, and build professional networks that will support them long after graduation.

  • Durable Skills Training – Beyond technical knowledge, students learn essential workplace skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving—qualities that employers seek in every industry.

By working closely with businesses and organizations, we ensure that students graduate with both the knowledge and hands-on expertise needed to succeed. When young people see that meaningful career opportunities exist in their own backyard, they are more likely to stay, contribute, and lead in their communities—building a stronger future for Eastern Kentucky.

To explore current or upcoming Work-Based Learning opportunities, use the links below to visit the pages tailored for students, schools, and employers.
Each page provides helpful information and resources specific to your role in the Rural Up program. Together, we’re building strong, local career pathways that benefit both students and our regional workforce.


Our Pathways to Progress

At Rural Up, we focus on creating meaningful, future-focused opportunities that empower students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Our two primary focus areas—STEM Education and Work-Based Learning—equip young people in Eastern Kentucky with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences they need to succeed. From mobile STEM labs and summer camps to paid internships and career-aligned mentorships, we’re building strong pathways that connect education to opportunity and possibility to purpose.

STEM Education

At Rural Up, we believe bridging the digital divide is the key to unlocking opportunities for Eastern Kentucky’s youth. Through hands-on STEM education and work-based learning experiences, we aim to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce. From summer camps to mobile STEM labs and innovative learning spaces, we collaborate with partners to bring high-quality, real-world STEM education directly to students. Whether through immersive summer programs or technology-rich Mobile STEM labs during the school year, we’re committed to expanding access to STEM learning and preparing the next generation for success.

Bringing STEM to Students

  1. Summer STEM Camps- Rural Up’s summer camps provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences that introduce students to cutting-edge technology and emerging career pathways. Camps focus on areas like cybersecurity, AI, game design, coding, robotics, and engineering. Each program is designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students develop critical thinking skills in a fun and supportive environment. 

  2. Drop Anywhere Labs- During the school year, Rural Up will collaborate with local schools to bring STEM learning directly to students through Drop Anywhere Labs—adaptable, technology-rich spaces housed in shipping-style containers. These mobile learning environments provide interactive experiences in robotics, automation, 3D printing, and coding, allowing students to explore STEM in a hands-on way. By partnering with schools, we make it possible for students to access these labs during the academic year, giving them real-world exposure to STEM fields and future career opportunities.

To learn more about upcoming or current opportunities, click the link below. You’ll find details about our STEM Education programs—like summer camps, mobile lab visits, and hands-on learning experiences—each designed to spark curiosity and prepare students for future success.


Let’s Connect

P.O. Box 404, London, KY 40743