2024 Impact Report Shows Progress in Workforce Development, Education, and Economic Growth Across the Commonwealth

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation has released its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting significant strides in workforce development, education, and economic growth across the Commonwealth. The full report is now available for download.

“As we tackle challenges like workforce shortages and education gaps, I’m constantly reminded of the boundless opportunities ahead for Kentucky—and its people,” said Senior Vice President Beth Davisson. “By bringing together businesses, educators, and community leaders, we are making real, measurable progress that benefits all Kentuckians.”

“The work of the Kentucky Chamber Foundation is driving real change in our communities. By aligning education with workforce demands, championing increasing the talent pool, and fostering business growth, we are building a brighter, stronger future for our state,” said Foundation Board Chair Kim Halbauer, regional president of Fifth Third Bank, Kentucky.

Strengthening Education and Workforce Connections

The Foundation’s Leadership Institute for School Principals, in partnership with the Truist Leadership Institute, provided executive-level training to 40 principals from 29 counties, equipping them to lead high-performing schools and prepare students for future success.

The Bus to Business® program engaged 968 students, offering hands-on exposure to in-demand careers, internships, and apprenticeships. The Educator’s Guide to Industry initiative also connected 481 educators with key employers, helping them better prepare students for workforce demands.

The Foundation also supported 50 first-generation college students through its Rising Leaders Program, providing leadership training and internships to help them launch successful careers.

Furthering civic engagement, the National Civics Bee® Kentucky State Finals allowed middle school students to present solutions to local challenges. Kentucky’s champion represented the state at the first-ever national competition in Washington, D.C.

Advancing Workforce Development

The Talent Pipeline Management (TPM®) program helped connect 1,100 Kentuckians with jobs, hands-on training, and career-related opportunities.

Recognizing the challenges in healthcare staffing, the Foundation partnered with the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) to address workforce shortages, funding regional healthcare workforce managers to recruit and develop talent for hospitals across the state.

The Statewide Workforce and Talent Team (SWATT) brought together key business and education leaders, with 96% of invited stakeholders participating in a statewide convening aimed at streamlining Kentucky’s workforce development strategies.

The Fair Chance Academy trained 146 employers to promote fair chance hiring, leading to 115 hires of individuals from justice-involved or recovery communities. The newly launched Military Hiring Academy also trained 60 employers on best practices for recruiting and retaining military veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses.

Looking ahead, the Foundation will expand its workforce initiatives with the launch of the Disability Hiring Academy and the New Kentuckian Hiring Academy in 2025, continuing efforts to connect skilled, underrepresented talent with employers across the state.

Supporting Business Growth and Economic Resilience

To address workforce participation barriers, the Foundation launched the Kentucky Collaborative on Child Care, bringing together over 40 stakeholders to identify challenges and develop solutions for increasing child care access across the state.

The Foundation also strengthened small business growth by connecting 1,000 certified small businesses with 2,745 companies looking to expand their supplier networks, driving economic opportunity and supplier diversity.

Through these programs and initiatives, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation continues to advance workforce readiness, expand economic opportunities, and build a stronger future for Kentucky’s businesses, students, and workforce.

Read the full 2024 Kentucky Chamber Foundation Impact Report here.