CEDAR Innovation and Entrepreneurship Fair focused on future workforce

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WYMT) – The 2024 CEDAR (Community, Economic Development, And Revitalization) Student Fair Program is bringing young minds to the table, showcasing their visions for the future of the region.

The once popular CEDAR Coal Fair changed directions a few years ago, devoting itself to revitalizing the region’s workforce as the shift to entrepreneurship and industry became more of a regional focus.

More than 200 projects from K-12 grade students are on display at the University of Pikeville this week, each connecting to one of the seven pillars outlined by Shaping Our Appalachian Region (SOAR). With subjects ranging from science, math, English, art, music, technology and social studies, the program included students from across the region in the conversation about Appalachia’s future workforce.

Alongside those projects, CEDAR brought reports from more than 60 students who participated in its Health Care Careers Education Program. That program, which partners with Pikeville Medical Center, allowed the students to research their dream careers and share knowledge and experiences that are applicable to those careers. CEDAR representatives said it is an effort to “introduce health care careers into CEDAR’s K-12th grade programing, in hopes of increasing the future worker pool of qualified and inspired health care workers from within our region.”

Winners were selected for this year’s showcase and those students will present their projects during an open house and reception Thursday night. You can find more information about CEDAR and a list of winners here.

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