ELEVATE Kentucky

ELEVATE KENTUCKY offers young professionals in-depth personal and professional development while fostering a better understanding of the challenges facing our Commonwealth. Elevate participants return to their companies with increased skills, knowledge, perspective, and a new statewide professional network. Millennial leaders are better prepared to be catalysts in their companies and communities in an effort to ELEVATE Kentucky.

• ELEVATE Infographic
• ELEVATE Applicant Frequently Asked Questions

Elevate Kentucky is designed for millennials and young professionals approximately 25-35, but there is not a strict age limit. We look for individuals who are advancing in their careers and those involved in their communities and eager to become stronger leaders. Sessions will provide skills and tools to advance your career, your company, and your community to the next level. 

2024 Sessions Dates and Locations (subject to change.)

• April 10-12 Owensboro
• May 13-15 Pikeville
• June 5-7 Frankfort/NKY

During the sessions, there will be two overnight stays. These sessions will usually start mid-day on Wednesday, with a full day of programming on Thursday, and will conclude mid-day on Friday. Programming includes planned meals, site visits and tours, local and statewide speakers and leaders, and ample networking opportunities.

Participants are expected to attend all sessions. Participants missing more than three segments (one full day and a half day) may not be able to graduate and could be asked to make up sessions the following year. In addition, if the participant is not engaged, he/she may be asked to withdraw or involuntarily removed from the program and tuition shall not be refunded.

The tuition for ELEVATE Kentucky 2024 is $2,200.

Tuition includes most meals, lodging, and three action and information-packed sessions. You will need to provide your transportation to the session locations.

"I have learned so much about our state and the innovation and industry impacting our economy. The Owensboro session taught me to think about planning and development (streetscaping -who knew?!) The Morehead session made me proud of the impact leaders are making on their communities. The Lexington session impressed me with the quality of industry we have to offer. We have so many smart leaders!"

– Ashley Johnson, ELEVATE Class of 2018

“The most meaningful and lasting aspect of Elevate were the relationships I have formed with young professionals throughout the Commonwealth. In the digital age, we’re increasingly asked to replace in-person experiences for remote communication, but nothing can ever replace an interpersonal connection. This program provided this across geographical and economic sector. Coincidentally, I was pursuing other career opportunities during the Elevate sessions. The sessions provided me a toolkit and language to really recognize who I am, what I want to do and then articulate that effectively to potential employers. Without Elevate, I may have never recognized my personal mission or found an appropriate fit.”

– Sarah Schmitt, ELEVATE Class of 2017