December EDC Newsletter - State of the EDC Recording / UK, partners awarded ‘Build to Scale’ grant

UK EDC News | December 2023

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Talent Update

Simulations help prepare Kentucky’s aspiring special education teachers

Before leading a classroom of their own, students preparing to become special education teachers are using mixed reality simulations to develop skills to be successful educators.

The UK SimLab at the University of Kentucky College of Education provides simulations for aspiring special education teachers across Kentucky. The simulations enable the college students to rehearse teaching in a controlled setting by interacting with avatars — brought to life behind the scenes by trained actors.

Through a Kentucky Department of Education grant, the UK SimLab provides simulation services to all members of the Institution of Higher Education Special Education Consortium.

Innovation Update

UK, partners awarded ‘Build to Scale’ grant to support Kentucky startups

The University of Kentucky and its partners are one of 60 programs awarded “Build to Scale” grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Sixty organizations in 36 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico were awarded. In total, $53 million will fund programs that support technology entrepreneurs, catalyze innovation and fuel economic growth. The selected regions are growing technology-driven businesses, creating high-skill, high-wage jobs and building the industries of the future.

UK, in partnership with Keyhorse Capital, the investment arm of Kentucky Science and Technology Corporation (KSTC), is a 2023 Capital Challenge Grant recipient.

Equitable Economic Development Update

UK’s Rural Physician Leadership Program, Anthem Medicaid announce new rural medicine scholarships

In celebration of National Rural Health Day, the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky announced new scholarship opportunities for UK’s Rural Physician Leadership Program (RPLP).

The Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarships will provide $100,000 to offset the cost of medical school for students in the RPLP.

In a state that suffers from high rates for many chronic, preventable diseases, increasing the number of physicians practicing medicine in rural areas is crucial, says UK College of Medicine Dean Charles “Chipper” Griffith III, M.D.

The Anthem Rural Medicine Scholarships will comprise seven awards totaling $100,000. These scholarships will be awarded over the next four years to fourth-year RPLP students who have a demonstrated financial need and intend to practice medicine in a rural area upon completion of their residency. This funding represents an investment in the future of rural health care in Kentucky, says Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Medicaid in Kentucky President Leon Lamoreaux.

Place Update

CEDIK offers community customized reports

Is your community in need of a customized report for placemaking purposes?

The Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK) offers a suite of services geared to providing community and industry stakeholders with research-based information. They have an experienced research team that has proficiency with several proprietary data sources, methods of analysis, and GIS mapping capabilities.

The community assessment program is designed to provide a quick, yet thorough, assessment of your community's readiness for economic development and provides recommendations on where to take action.

Access here

Partnership Update

UK James B. Beam Institute opens registration for 2024 Bourbon Industry Conference

The James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, in collaboration with the Kentucky Distillers’ Association (KDA), this year’s conference sponsor, offers the fifth annual Bourbon Industry Conference March 11-13, 2024, at the University of Kentucky Gatton Student Center. Registration is now open.

The Beam Institute, in partnership with Beam Suntory, is advancing the next generation of distillers.

Following the Beam Institute’s opening of a new distillery and maturation facility on UK’s campus in Aug. 2023, the institute is reinforcing its commitment as the industry’s research and development vehicle.

Meet the Team

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

Dr. Molly Reynolds is originally from Ironton, Ohio, but now counts Lexington as home. She is a double graduate from UK, earning her BA in Broadcast Journalism and her Ph.D. in Instructional Communication. In addition to her time as a UK student, she has worked at UK full time for 13 years. She has served in her current position as the Acting Associate Vice President for Student Excellence since September 2023.

Dr. Reynolds’ first job as a teaching assistant during her master’s degree at the University of Cincinnati changed her career trajectory. Before stepping into the classroom, Dr. Reynolds wanted to work as a broadcast journalist. After engaging with students inside and outside of the classroom, Dr. Reynolds fell in love with teaching and higher education.

Central Kentucky Job Club:

Stream previous Job Club sessions that are relevant to your job search at the recording link below

Topics Include:

Applying for State Government

Job Search Best Practices

Interviewing and Job Search in 2023

Taking a New Path

Creating a Powerful Personal Brand

Nailing the Interview

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 areas of Talent, Innovation, Place, Partnership, and Equitable Economic Development