February EDC Newsletter - EDC 2024 Annual Report Published | OneUK Partner Valvoline Global Partners with Launch Blue

UK EDC News | February 2025

Read the 2024 EDC Annual Report

Talent Update

UK program grows future leaders, professionals through teaching, mentorship

The University of Kentucky offers a unique program at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment (CAFE) that bridges leadership, mentorship and teaching to prepare students to meet the current workforce development needs in Kentucky.

Launched in the fall of 2022, the Peer Instructor program and correlating course, AFE 330, is open to all Martin-Gatton CAFE students who have completed the Issues in Agriculture, Food and Environment course (AFE 100), meet the academic success standards and have a willingness to learn and grow.

This course is designed to build transferable skills and support various career pathways beyond agriculture.

Innovation Update

Launch Blue and Valvoline Global collaborate on Spring 2025 Industry Transformation Accelerator

Launch Blue is pleased to announce its collaboration with OneUK partner, Valvoline Global for the Spring 2025 Industry Transformation Accelerator. As a worldwide leader in automotive and industrial solutions, Valvoline Global brings technical expertise and industry knowledge to Launch Blue’s nationally recognized accelerator program to provide startup founders with the tools to make an impact in real-world applications.

The theme of the Spring 2025 Cohort is circular economy, materials and sustainability. Through the virtual seven-week program, startup founders will develop strategies for pilot projects, dilutive and nondilutive funding and technology adoption — culminating in a pitch to Launch Blue’s corporate innovation network.

Economic Engagement Update

AppalachiaCorps Internship Program continues in Summer 2025

The University of Kentucky Appalachian Center will continue AppalachiaCorps, a student internship program, for Summer 2025.

AppalachiaCorps pairs students with experiential learning experiences in Eastern Kentucky and the greater Appalachian region. The internship offers students the opportunity to network and prepare for future careers.

The internship covers up to 16 hours a week for up to 16 weeks during the summer, with flexible duration and hours. Students can also complete academic credit with the internship.

Place Update

UK’s Housing Engagement and Research Initiative launches statewide resource hub online

The University of Kentucky has launched a new website to help tackle Kentucky's housing challenges.

UK's Office of Land-Grant Engagement, in partnership with CEDIK at the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has created the Housing Engagement and Research Initiative (HERI)—a one-stop hub for housing resources, data, and solutions.

HERI offers toolkits, policy insights, usability studies, and more to address Kentucky’s housing needs.

Partnership Update

Gatton College of Business and Economics Partners with PNC for Wildcat Pitch Competition

The University of Kentucky Gatton College of Business and Economics is partnering with PNC Bank for the PNC Wildcat Pitch Competition. The competition allows UK students to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas and compete for $20,000 in seed funding.

Taking place on April 26, 2025, at the Gatton College of Business and Economics, this full-day event features student teams pitching their business plans to a panel of judges.

Meet the Team

Part of a monthly series to introduce the Economic Development Collaborative Leaders

Jason Schubert is the Salesforce Administrator for the Economic Development Collaborative. In this role, he supports the EDC’s use of Salesforce within the Office of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement’s Salesforce database (called RADAR). Jason has been at UK since 2020, first working as the program coordinator for the student food pantry (Big Blue Pantry), then with the Foundation and Corporate Philanthropy team and finally as a Salesforce Administrator for Philanthropy before joining the EDC.

Prior to working at UK, Jason spent four years in the non-profit sector, first with a nonprofit focused on youth education in the arts in Dubuque, Iowa, and then with an event production nonprofit in Indianapolis, Indiana. Outside of UK, Jason is active in the community, serving as board chair for two nonprofits (Frontrunners Lexington and Lexington Pride Center) and collaborating with city government on improving pedestrian safety in our city. Jason spends his free time going on long walks with his dog, cooking and baking, hiking, attending concerts and art shows and training for his next marathon.

Central Kentucky Job Club:

Mastering the Art of Interviewing

March 11, 2025 - 9:00 AM

Presented by Christie Jackson, Hanna Resource Group

This presentation will provide practical tips and techniques to help you excel in job interviews. Learn how to prepare effectively, present your best self, and navigate challenging questions with confidence. Whether you're a first-time job seeker or looking to advance your career, these strategies will equip you with the tools to stand out and succeed in the interview process.

Access Here

EDC Communication

The news featured here does not exclusively represent the work of the EDC, but rather highlights the contributions of various collaborators. We are honored to showcase the remarkable achievements taking place across the University of Kentucky.

The EDC Mission:

To proactively grow economic

prosperity in the Commonwealth by focusing on the area of Talent, Innovation, Place, Partnership,and Economic Engagement.