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 organizations with increased skills, knowledge, perspective, and a new statewide professional network. Program graduates are better prepared to be catalysts in their organizations and communities in an effort to ELEVATE Kentucky.

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

2027 Sessions Dates and Locations (TENTATIVE)

• April - Pikeville (MANDATORY ATTENDANCE)
• May - Owensboro
• June - Lexington/Berea

During each session, there are two overnight stays. Sessions usually begin midday on Day 1, with a full day of programming on Day 2, and conclude midday on Day 3. 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 graduate and could be asked to make up sessions the following year. In addition, if the participant is not fully engaged in each session, he/she may be asked to withdraw, or be involuntarily removed, from the program and tuition shall not be refunded.

The tuition for ELEVATE Kentucky 2027 is $2,500.

Tuition includes most meals, lodging, and three action-packed and informative sessions. Participants need to provide their own transportation to and from session locations.

"ELEVATE gave me a deeper appreciation for the Commonwealth, as the industries, innovation, and people that continue to shape its future. Through this experience, I gained better insight into the talent and vision that exists across Kentucky and the meaningful work being done across our state."

– Ashley Redmond, ELEVATE Class of 2026

“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