Solutions Spotlight: Mines to Minds and Mountain Tech Media

by Cara Cooper, KSEC State Organizer

Join KSEC for our first Solutions Spotlight on the Emerging Tech Industry as a part of our just economic Solutions Tour. You'll hear from folks at Mountain Tech Media + Appalshop's new Mines to Minds program. Find out more about these two awesome initiatives below!

Mines to Minds
Appalshop's Mines to Minds program was started to be a part of Eastern Kentucky's economic shift away from the previously dominated extractive industry.  We are working with several area employers and the local community college, Southeast Kentucky Community & Technical College (SKCTC), to train local people for local technical jobs that are growing.  Through conversations with our partnering employers, three areas have been identified as high growth in our area:

• Systems Administration (IT Infrastructure, Networking, and Support)
• Multimedia Design and Implementation (Designing, Creating, marketing, and branding using High Tech Creative Software tools and websites)
• Electronic Health Record Management
  
  

Of these three, we are most optimistic about the Electronic Health Record Management growth.  It is an area with very high growth in multiple locations in the region.  Working along with SKCTC, we are developing the required training to fulfill these regional technology needs with local talent.

In addition, we are creating opportunities for the public to learn new technology skills through a series of workshops. These include workshops including Adobe Premiere, Drones, Excel, and Networking Cabling.

​Mountain Tech Media
Mountain Tech Media is a tech and design coop based in Whitesburg, KY. Founded in 2016, MTM specializes in digital video content, web design, social media management, and more, while also working to expand and develop Eastern Kentucky's tech economy. Our mission is to help organizations reach new peaks, while creating new opportunities for young professionals in EKY & Central Appalachia.

Izzy Broomfield grew up in Eastern Kentucky, and was raised to believe they had to leave the area to find meaningful tech or creative work. With the help of AmeriCorps NCCC and VISTA, and countless YouTube tutorials, they have built a skillset that allows them to live in the mountains and do the work they love. Izzy is passionate about mentoring the next generation of Eastern Kentuckian creative tech professionals.dit.