Kentucky’s economy is changing fast—and building opportunity has never been more important. Hear from Foundation Board Chair Les Fugate of @brownforman, @KyChamber President and CEO @AshliWatts, and Foundation SVP Beth Davisson on the Foundation’s next chapter.
As we celebrate Independence Day and the 250th anniversary of America's founding, we're reminded of the important role civic knowledge and engagement play in shaping the future of our communities, Commonwealth, and country.
That spirit was on display at the 2026 National Civics Bee Kentucky State Finals, where students from across the Commonwealth demonstrated their civic knowledge, leadership, and commitment to strengthening their communities. Congratulations again to our Kentucky State Champion, Maris Godbey of Fayette County, who will represent the Commonwealth at the national competition in Washington, D.C., this October.
From all of us at the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, we wish you a safe and happy Fourth of July as we celebrate this historic milestone!
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s 2025 Impact Report is now available, highlighting the real-world impact of business-led solutions across the Commonwealth.
In 2025, 3,252 students engaged in hands-on career exploration, over 15,000 Kentuckians benefited from regional workforce initiatives, and 283 employers improved their workforce and hiring practices, resulting in 199 Kentuckians connecting to new jobs.
Check out the full report here: https://t.co/NfflvroTZ3
April is Financial Literacy Month. In partnership with the @USChamber and @CollegeBoard, we are focused on building real‑world skills for today’s workforce. According to the 2025 New Hire Readiness Report, 96% of hiring managers say financial literacy is valuable for entry‑level employees, and 92% say more business courses are needed in high school. Learn more: https://t.co/KEpFdgBKBs
The submission deadline for the 2026 National Civics Bee® has been extended to February 17, 2026. Middle school students in grades 6–8 are invited to participate in this free, nonpartisan essay competition, designed to strengthen civic knowledge, critical thinking, and leadership skills. We encourage students across Kentucky to take advantage of this opportunity and submit their essays.
Learn more and apply: https://t.co/ZWftpRwAhH
Just a few days left for 6th–8th grade students to submit their 500-word essays for the 2026 National Civics Bee®. This free, nonpartisan competition promotes civic engagement and community leadership while giving students the opportunity to compete for prizes at the regional, state, and national levels.
Enter your submission by February 3, 2026: https://t.co/NBTyytLouy
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation invites 6th–8th graders to participate in the 2026 National Civics Bee®—a free, nonpartisan competition that inspires civic engagement, builds leadership skills, and explores ways to strengthen communities.
Students submit a 500-word essay online for a chance to win prizes and advance to regional, state, and national competitions. Educators can easily integrate the essay into classwork, extra credit, or extracurricular activities.
Learn more and get started: https://t.co/NPuC9oBZoD
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation would like to congratulate the @universityofky Human Development Institute (HDI) on the advancement of the Training Innovation Project (TIP). We look forward to continuing this work in partnership with HDI and expanding training to help employers recruit and retain untapped talent while building a stronger workforce.
Learn more about the project: https://t.co/l6JNll7KIh
Kentuckians are working hard but the math isn’t mathing anymore.
If you’re ready for common-sense solutions that keep opportunity within reach, add your name and get involved:
https://t.co/gQdTqpgbdf
Across the state, Kentuckians are working hard — but rising costs are making it harder for families to get ahead. Child care can cost up to $12,000 per child each year, and home prices in some areas have climbed to 4.5 times annual household income. Housing and child care aren’t luxuries — they’re essentials for strong families, a strong workforce, and a strong future. Add your name to support common-sense solutions that keep opportunity within reach: https://t.co/iMCiSHwMnF
Today is #GivingTuesday—a day to turn generosity into opportunity for Kentuckians across the Commonwealth.
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation is building opportunity by connecting classrooms to careers, supporting educators, expanding access to employment, and strengthening communities.
Your gift today helps create real pathways to meaningful work and brighter futures for Kentuckians.
Help us continue this impact. Give now: https://t.co/OZhn1y3Tvc
Kentucky has something special. We show up for each other every day.
@KyChamberFdn Board Chair Les Fugate and I wrote about the businesses and partners across our state turning values into action.
Read more here : https://t.co/mxt3prUE0w
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation is proud to partner with the Fletcher Group through @ARCgov's Connect Appalachia project to strengthen recovery pathways and expand workforce opportunities across the region. Learn more at https://t.co/o2L6MjwPRK.
This month, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation has been thanking those who make our work possible during our gratitude month. We are grateful to @KYSHRM for supporting our Hiring Academy programs. Their partnership empowers business leaders with the tools to strengthen Kentucky’s workforce.
Learn more here: https://t.co/mNSqs2pqQG
As we continue gratitude month at the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, we would like to thank @PlantersBank and @Higgins_Ins for investing in their community by supporting Christian County principals through the Leadership Institute for School Principals.
Their partnership enables local school leaders to access high-quality leadership development, strengthening school culture, enhancing academic success, and deepening relationships between schools and the broader community.
Learn more about the Leadership Institute for School Principals:https://t.co/fZI5MXRmDh
During the Kentucky Chamber Foundation’s gratitude month, we’re grateful for @kyamwater's support of the Leadership Institute for School Principals and the Educator's Guide to Industry—education solutions that help build opportunity across the Commonwealth. Together, we are strengthening connections between schools and employers, supporting leaders in education, and developing pathways for Kentucky’s students and communities.
Learn more:https://t.co/G8D62xegxA
As we celebrate gratitude month, the Kentucky Chamber Foundation is proud to recognize @thejusttrust for its ongoing support of our Workforce Recovery initiatives. Their commitment to recovery-focused solutions helps Kentuckians receive a second chance through meaningful employment, which strengthens our workforce, our communities, and our economy.
Learn more about our Workforce Recovery work: https://t.co/y8Avg5nkMs
Today, @KyChamberFdn Senior Vice President @beth_davisson joined Kentucky Chamber Chair-Elect Kim Halbauer of @FifthThird to celebrate the grand opening of Fifth Third’s new Kentucky Headquarters and NuLu Main Financial Center. The Chamber is proud of this investment in Louisville and Kentucky’s future!
HAPPENING NOW: We’re so proud of Kentucky’s Ava Bogard, one of the Top 10 finalists in the National Civics Bee! 🇺🇸 Tune in live to cheer her on and watch her speech - link below. 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
The 2025 National Civics Bee Competition is live now! The Kentucky Chamber Foundation is proud that Kentucky State Champion Ava Bogard made it to the top 10! Congratulations, Ava!
Tune in now to watch Ava compete for the national championship: https://t.co/mVvt6jbHXs