By Blake Jackson
Kentucky State University (KSU) has secured a $2 million grant through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s POWER Initiative to expand workforce development, educational programming, and Cooperative Extension services across Eastern Kentucky.
The four-year project will focus on preparing residents and community partners for opportunities related to land restoration, environmental recovery, and economic growth.
The funding will support the creation of a new Center of Excellence dedicated to workforce training, landscape restoration, and long-term community development in areas historically connected to the coal industry.
Participants will receive practical instruction in land management, restoration techniques, and methods for evaluating environmental outcomes, helping them build skills relevant to growing job sectors throughout Central Appalachia.
The initiative received strong backing from state and federal leaders, including letters of support from numerous legislators and members of Congress.
The project also strengthens Kentucky State University’s expanding research portfolio and reinforces its role as Kentucky’s only public HBCU and 1890 land-grant institution.
“This award reflects exactly how Kentucky State serves the Commonwealth through education, training, Extension, and applied research,” President Koffi C. Akakpo said.
“Our faculty and staff are building partnerships, strengthening communities, and preparing students and residents for the future of work.”
The project will be led by Dr. Buddhi Gyawali and conducted in partnership with Virginia Tech, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Tennessee State University. Training opportunities will include online instruction, field-based experiences, and community-focused learning programs.
“This grant will be instrumental in expanding Kentucky State University’s education, Extension, and workforce training in Eastern Kentucky,” said Dr. Gyawali.
“Through this Center of Excellence, we will help prepare a 21st-century workforce while supporting economic revitalization and ecological recovery in communities across the region.”
Renew Appalachia will provide land for hands-on restoration activities. Highlighting the need for the initiative, Clifford Smith, founder and managing director of Renew Appalachia, said, “Millions of acres across Appalachia have been disturbed by surface mining, and much of this land sits idle with impaired ecosystem function. Surrounding communities currently derive limited benefit from these sites.”
“Eastern Kentucky communities have deep knowledge of their land, their history, and their economic future,” said Dr. Marcus Bernard, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources and Director of Land Grant Programs at Kentucky State University.
“Kentucky State’s role is to bring training, Extension expertise, and land-grant partnerships to support local leadership and long-term opportunity.”
Photo Credit: kentucky-state-university
Categories: Kentucky, Education