January EDC Newsletter - Updated KY Housing Data | Launch Blue New Leadership Programs

UK EDC News | January 2024

UK Innovate to Host 3rd annual KY Innovator Challenge

Talent Update

Markey to launch summer science program for deaf high school students

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center has been selected as one of five leading cancer centers nationwide to participate in an innovative program that introduces deaf high school students to careers in cancer research and health care.

Developed at the University of Rochester’s Wilmot Cancer Institute, the Future Deaf Scientists program has connected deaf students with hands-on experience in cancer research and clinical settings for the past four years.

Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, the UK Markey Cancer Center will partner with the Kentucky School for the Deaf to offer the transformative summer internship program to local students.

Innovation Update

Launch Blue’s new programs to empower future innovation leaders

UK Innovate’s Launch Blue, an immersive accelerator program for tech startups, has announced two new programs designed to support undergraduate students, graduate students and postdoctoral scholars in becoming future leaders of innovation.

The two programs — the Commercialization and Innovation Leadership Program (CILP) and the Entrepreneurial Leadership Program (ELP) — are designed to complement Launch Blue’s existing offerings, which include the national Pre-Seed Accelerator, the Regional NSF I-Corps Program and Launch Blue Learning Labs. These initiatives aim to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kentucky and beyond.

Economic Engagement Update

UK College of Medicine docuseries highlights mission to 'Advance Kentucky Together'

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine has launched a new docuseries, now available in full on the college’s official website.

The series provides an in-depth look at UK’s mission to improve the health and well-being of Kentuckians. Through a series of compelling narratives, the episodes highlight the innovative efforts and initiatives led by the college to address the state’s most pressing healthcare challenges.

The docuseries underscores the UK College of Medicine's commitment to creating a healthier Kentucky. It showcases the institution’s groundbreaking research, community outreach, and educational programs aimed at training the next generation of medical professionals. By sharing these stories, the college hopes to inspire collaboration and engagement across the state in pursuit of a shared goal of improved public health.

Watch Here

Place Update

CEDIK Updates Housing Data Profiles on Website

The Community Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK) has updated its housing data profiles, now available on its website.

These profiles provide insights into county-level housing changes, including characteristics of owned and rented housing, and dynamics between housing income and value.

The update reflects the December 2024 release of the 2019-2023 five-year American Community Survey (ACS) estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Access Here

Partnership Update

Coastal’s Salesforce Incubator Program Boosts UK

Graduate Employment

Four years after its launch, the Coastal Salesforce Consultancy Incubator Program has become a key pipeline for University of Kentucky graduates entering the Salesforce workforce, with 42% of program participants coming from UK and many transitioning into full-time roles at Coastal.

The 12-week program, is open to students across disciplines and is degree-agnostic, with successful participants coming from fields as diverse as computer science and communications.

To date, 158 students have completed the program, with UK graduates making up 66 participants — the majority of interns and full-time hires.

Meet the Team

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

Michelle Evans is a Business Data Analyst with Institutional Research, Analytics and Decision Support (IRADS). She primarily supports the EDC and other priorities under the EVPFA through data collection, analysis and visualization.

In her almost decade of service at UK, Michelle has worked in Enrollment Management, the College of Fine Arts and the College of Arts and Sciences in addition to IRADS. She is also a proud alumna of the College of Fine Arts. In her life outside of UK, Michelle enjoys creating art, attending concerts and hiking.

Central Kentucky Job Club:

Resume Tips and Tricks

February 11, 2025 - 9:00 AM

Presented by Susan Woods and Renee Fulton, Talon Group Staffing & Executive Recruiting

Get resume tips and tricks from an experienced recruiter hiring for over two decades. Find out what really matters on a resume and tips that can get your resume noticed.

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.