1. Opportunity and Obstacles
in Appalachia

2. The Push and Pull of Appalachian Living
Central Appalachia is in a state of economic
transition.
One of our biggest
assets– our young
people – are
leaving the region for
school and work.
The future of
Appalachia depends on emerging leaders finding
a place for themselves to live, work, and thrive in
their communities.

3. Realities of Youth in Central
Appalachia
Young people from Central
Appalachia grow up in
communities with an average
high school completion rate of
68% and a 7% college
completion rate.
Roughly 17% of residents in
these counties live in poverty
with young people
disproportionally affected.

4. For example…
“West Virginia will need
another 20,000 college
graduates by 2018 just
to keep the state
economy at its current
level.”
Higher Education Policy
Commission Chancellor Brian
Noland

5. Push and Pull of: Non-Profits
Current State: A large population of non-profit
leaders (i.e. executive directors, board members,
etc.) are nearing retirement.
There are not enough
We need young
young people being
people to take over
engaged in these
as leaders in the
major leadership
region.
roles.
The training and mentoring of a younger generation
of social justice minded individuals will continue
these much needed efforts into the future.

6. Push and Pull of: Businesses
Current State: Money and wealth are leaving the region
and 2/3 of Appalachian counties have unemployment
rates higher than the national average.
It’s hard to find Young people don’t have
skilled access to pathways for
entrepreneurial self- entrepreneurial success
starters for our or gainful employment.
businesses.
The economic reality of our region calls us to
develop a new generation of employees,
managers, and owners.

7. Push and Pull of: Local Foods
Current State: There is a lack of healthy food, clean
water, land and food infrastructure. The WV
Legislature has $250,000 for school systems to spend
in/on the local foods movement.
We have the There is not enough
resources for young information out about
entrepreneurial the possibilities for
producers to help young people to be
build local wealth. producers in Appalachia.
More money to invest in farms means more local,
young producers who will build local, lasting
wealth for themselves and their communities.

8. Transfer of Wealth
Research is showing that there will be a massive Transfer of Wealth
(TOW) beginning in
Appalachia .
Over the next 10 years, an
estimated $72 billion will be
available to transfer between
generations in Kentucky
households.
Over the next 20 years, the
TOW opportunity is estimated to
be almost $173 billion.
According to the 2010 RUPRI Center for Rural Entrepreneurship’s report to
The Kentucky Philanthropy Initiative.

9. The Importance of Young Leaders
As evidenced thus far, emerging leaders are needed in our
region to continue the Appalachian economic upswing.
They are in line for carrying on responsibilities and wealth
passed down from the older generation.
Investing in leadership development is the only surefire
way to promise Appalachian progress.

10. The AELN
Composed for four major entities in Appalachia:
Highlander Center
AMI
High Rocks
STAY
Joined by a shared
commitment to
building a sustainable
future for our region
and our young people.
Builds capacity among existing institutions to provide meaningful
support to emerging leaders, direct work with young leaders, will
provide opportunities to develop skills, and bring their voices into

11. Appalachian Media Institute
Operates media training
programs that allow young
people to ask and begin to
answer critical questions
about their community.
AMI employs up to 50 young
people in the coalfields per
year.
Youth –made media is then
presented in regional and
national conversations
dealing with local issues and
policy decisions.

12. Highlander Research and Education
Center
Place where leaders, networks,
and movement strands come
together to interact, build
relationships, craft joint
strategy, and develop the tools
and mechanisms needed to
advance social and economic
justice within our region.
Through leadership institutes,
supporting organizations,
granting, developing policy, and
mentoring leaders in the South
and Appalachia, people expand
their ideas of what is possible.

13. High Rocks Educational Corporation
Our mission is to educate,
empower, and inspire young
West Virginia women. We
develop youth led programs
that provide pathways for
success in our home
communities. We fuel both
the culture of learning and
community connections so all
our youth have the skills and
ideas to drive change locally
and on the national stage.

14. The STAY Project
The only youth-run and youth-led regional group in central
Appalachia.
Network of members and regional gatherings create avenues
for our communities to educate themselves, find voice, and
nurture political power.
Highlights underrepresented populations in Appalachia (i.e.
Youth of Color and LGBTQ Youth)

15. Youth Leadership and Philanthropy
Initiative
Established through the
Community Foundation of
Appalachia Kentucky in
August 2011.
Trains youth grant-makers
and promotes
understanding of
endowment and
philanthropy.
Places youth in non-profit
leadership roles and
encourages civic
engagement.

16. Preparing for the Future
Investing in:
• Educational attainment
• Recruitment and retention
• Leadership development
• Entrepreneurial activity
• Organizational development
IS investing in Appalachia.

17. Our success in actively transforming
the future of Appalachia depends
largely on our ability to harness the
power and promise of young
leaders to move the region forward.