CHANGING LIVES

2025 - 2026

5, 248

LIVES CHANGED

Based on key outcomes like job placements, industry certifications earned, and college enrollments

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

JULY 2025 - JUNE 2026

1,771

JOB PLACEMENTS IN OUR 7-COUNTY REGION

Includes the Kentucky Career Center, The Spot: Young Adult Opportunity Center, After the Tassel, Code:You, Kentuckiana Builds, and Reentry Works programs.

57% INCREASE

$19.34

AVERAGE WAGE OF JOB PLACEMENTS

840

COLLEGE ACCESS CENTER CLIENTS WHO ENROLLED IN COLLEGE OR OBTAINED THEIR DEGREE

*9/1/25-7/31/26

927

CAREER CREDENTIALS EARNED

Industry-recognized certifications, high school diplomas, and GEDs

450

JOB PLACEMENTS OUTSIDE OF JEFFERSON COUNTY

198% INCREASE

Bullitt, Henry, Oldham Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble counties

$2.3 MILLION

NEW WORKFORCE FUNDS RAISED

Includes funding to support Putting Young Kentuckians to Work, the Academies of Louisville, expanding SummerWorks, and more

Paul said he didn’t value his future before coming to The Spot. The team helped him get soft skills, a logistics certification, and a good job. Paul is just one of more than 5,000 people whose lives were changed through KentuckianaWorks programming this year.

“When you’ve got somebody in your corner, it makes you feel like maybe you do have a shot…It gives people a chance to believe in themselves.”

— Paul, The Spot

“I wanted to do better but I didn’t know how to go about it. Then I got my GED. It gave me hope I could be something beyond a recovering addict and a felon.”

— Paige, The Spot

In October, Shelby County leaders cut the ribbon at our new Shelbyville Career Center. Job placements across our six regional counties—Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble—nearly tripled over the past year.

The College Access Center served more than 2,500 adults and high school students, helping them apply to schools, find scholarships, and complete nearly 1,300 FAFSA financial aid forms.

“If you would have asked me three years ago if I’d be back in college, I would have told you that you’re probably crazy…I’m now in my sophomore year at Simmons College of Kentucky.”

— James, College Access Center

A Full-Circle KentuckianaWorks Moment

The Kentucky Career Center helped Carmen start her healthcare career in 2009. This summer, as a manager at Norton Healthcare, Carmen oversaw a SummerWorks intern just beginning her journey in nursing.

“The CNA training I got through the Kentucky Career Center was extremely helpful…it helped me realize my passion for nursing and financially support myself while I was in nursing school.”

— Carmen, Kentucky Career Center

“My goal is to go into pediatrics and Norton [Healthcare] has given me a really good opportunity.”

— Selah, SummerWorks

SummerWorks, which increased its sponsored job placements by 45% this year, invested in new private sector partnerships with Baptist Health Louisville, GE Appliances, and Norton Healthcare. The program also launched a job readiness and English language training for foreign-born young people in Louisville.

“Working third shift while attending class wasn't easy, but showing up every day proved that hard work pays off. Today, I'm not just working a job—I'm building a real career.”

— Wallace, Kentuckiana Builds

Kentuckiana Builds’ six-week construction training includes hands-on instruction at two local unions and multiple industry certifications.

Darius went from struggling to find a job because of his past to making more than $25 an hour as a welder. Overall, KentuckianaWorks program job placements were up 57% with an average wage of more than $19 an hour.

“I’ve made so many people proud…(my career coach) Ms. Michelle changed my life. Best decision ever.”

— Darius, Kentucky Career Center

A Decade of Impact at the Academies of Louisville

Postsecondary readiness among graduating high school seniors has increased from 50% to 82%, a record high for JCPS. The Academies now partner with more than 350 businesses, including all ten of Louisville’s largest employers.

“Our pathway classes were the reason we were excited to go to school…the Academies of Louisville did more than help me pick a career. They helped me discover who I am and what I’m capable of.”

— Chanceline, Academies of Louisville

Code:You, including Code Louisville and Code Kentucky, finished on a high note. Since 2015, the software development programs have helped more than 1,500 people land new jobs in technology.

“Code Louisville came to me at a time in my life when I needed something new…I now work in data management at Humana. That wouldn’t have been possible without Code Louisville.”

— Gavin, Code Louisville

Lantech
Louisville Metro Government
Louisville MSD
Norton Healthcare
Shift Work Forward
US Department of Education
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
US Department of Labor
WireCrafters