OVERVIEW
The Appalachian Global Careers Mentorship Program connects rural Appalachian high school students with professionals working in international affairs, diplomacy, public service, military foreign affairs, and global leadership. Through virtual conversations, mentorship, and career-focused learning opportunities, students gain exposure to pathways that are often underrepresented in rural communities.
The program is designed to help participants better understand how global issues connect back to Appalachia while building confidence, awareness, and access to future educational and professional opportunities. Whether students pursue these paths academically, professionally, or simply broaden their perspective of the world, the goal is to show that global opportunities are not out of reach for Appalachian communities.
What Students Will Experience
Students in the mentorship cohort will participate in weekly, structured discussions with professionals across global fields, including:
- U.S. diplomats and ambassadors
- International development professionals
- Military foreign affairs officers
- Peace Corps volunteers
- International relations experts
- Kentuckians working in global careers
Sessions will cover:
- U.S. foreign policy and diplomacy
- International development and humanitarian work
- Military roles in global engagement
- Leadership in international environments
- Real-world career paths and entry points
Outcomes for Students
By the end of the program, students will:
- Gain exposure to careers typically inaccessible in rural communities
- Build relationships with professionals in global fields
- Develop a clearer understanding of academic and career pathways
- Complete a capstone project connecting global issues to local impact
Successful participants will receive:
- A program certificate
- Eligibility for letters of recommendation
- Pathways to future opportunities, including internships