Frankfort, Kentucky, November 11, 2025
Leadership Kentucky has graduated 37 participants from the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2025, a program launched to foster entrepreneurial leadership in Eastern Kentucky. This initiative equips young adults with vital skills for community and economic advancement. The program’s funding comes from the Appalachian Regional Commission and private foundations, highlighting a collaborative commitment to nurture local leaders. With applications for the next class opening in spring, the program promises to continue its impact on the region’s economic resilience and growth.
Frankfort, Kentucky – In a notable uplift for the entrepreneurial spirit in Eastern Kentucky, Leadership Kentucky has announced the graduation of 37 participants from the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2025. This program, initiated in 2019, serves as a catalyst for fostering leadership among the next generation in the Appalachian region, equipping them with essential skills to drive economic and community development.
The BRIGHT Kentucky program has proven to be a vital cornerstone for cultivating entrepreneurial leaders. It aims to build capacity in young adult participants by enhancing their abilities in communication, collaboration, consensus building, visioning, and community engagement. These skills are not only invaluable for personal achievements but also play a crucial role in advancing local economic growth.
The recent graduation event marked the culmination of intensive training, which involved five three-day sessions held across a variety of locations in Eastern Kentucky, including Hazard, Somerset, and Richmond. This diverse geographical participation underscores the program’s commitment to inclusivity and community involvement across 20 counties in the Appalachian Regional Commission area.
Funding and Support for Local Leaders
The success of the BRIGHT Kentucky program is underpinned by substantial financial backing. It receives funding through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) along with support from private entities such as the Whitaker Foundation and Kentucky Power/AEP Foundation. This collaborative funding approach demonstrates a shared commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and leadership within the region.
The BRIGHT Kentucky program is part of a larger framework created by Leadership Kentucky, which has been operational since 1984. It offers a suite of programs, including ELEVATE Kentucky and New Executives to Kentucky, which are designed to develop networks and alliances among emerging leaders. By focusing on entrepreneurial innovation and partnership, these initiatives will continue to stimulate growth in local economies.
Future Opportunities for Aspiring Leaders
With the conclusion of this year’s program, there is an exciting opportunity for aspiring participants. Applications for the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2026 will be available in the spring, allowing more individuals to engage in this transformative experience. The program not only serves as an educational platform but also as a community builder, encouraging collaboration and collective progress.
As Kentucky continues to focus on entrepreneurial resilience and innovation, opportunities like BRIGHT Kentucky provide a framework for individuals to acquire skills that directly impact their communities. The emphasis on limited regulation to foster growth aligns with broader economic strategies that have proven successful in various regions.
Conclusion
The graduation of the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2025 reflects a promising future for entrepreneurship in Eastern Kentucky. As the program expands, it emboldens the local economy by nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. Community engagement and leadership play pivotal roles in overcoming challenges and seizing new opportunities for growth. As residents and local businesses rally together, the collective efforts will undoubtedly propel Kentucky towards a vibrant economic future.
Interested individuals should stay attuned for the announcement of the next application period and consider how they can contribute to the ongoing success of local businesses and economic resilience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is BRIGHT Kentucky?
- BRIGHT Kentucky is a program designed to build the capacity of next-generation leaders in the Appalachian region of Kentucky, focusing on enhancing skills in communication, collaboration, consensus building, visioning, and community engagement to advance community and economic development.
- How many participants graduated from the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2025?
- Thirty-seven participants graduated from the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2025.
- When will applications for the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2026 be available?
- Applications for the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2026 will be available in the spring at www.leadershipky.org.
| Key Features of BRIGHT Kentucky | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Focus | Enhancing skills in communication, collaboration, consensus building, visioning, and community engagement to advance community and economic development in Eastern Kentucky. |
| Number of Graduates in 2025 | Thirty-seven participants graduated from the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2025. |
| Program Duration | Five three-day sessions held across various locations in Eastern Kentucky, including Hazard, Somerset, Monticello, Berea, Richmond, London, Corbin, Ashland, and Morehead. |
| Funding Sources | Funded through a grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and private funding from the Whitaker Foundation, Kentucky Power/AEP Foundation, and others. |
| Application Information | Applications for the BRIGHT Kentucky Class of 2026 will be available in the spring at www.leadershipky.org. |
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