Forward in the Fifth under new leadership
Many people in Southern and Eastern Kentucky may already know the newest member of the senior leadership team at The Center for Rural Development and the executive director of Forward in the Fifth because of his work in Kentucky’s public schools.

Jim Tackett, a former school health consultant and public health educator, began his new position on October 22.

“We will be looking at current initiatives as well as seeking new and innovative approaches to improve and enhance efforts within the fifth congressional district,” said Tackett.

One of his primary responsibilities will be to assume the role of executive director of Forward in the Fifth, a grassroots education organization, uniting parents, students, businesses and educators to improve educational success in the Fifth Congressional District. Additional duties will relate to the administration and implementation of all initiatives connected to The Center’s leadership, education and training department.

“We are extremely excited and fortunate to have Jim join us. His background and experience will be invaluable as we continue to work on education and training initiatives that benefit the residents of this region,” said Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center for Rural Development and Forward in the Fifth board member.

During the last eight years, Tackett has worked as a school health consultant for the Kentucky Department of Education in Frankfort. He initially worked out of the regional London-Corbin and Prestonsburg offices in Eastern Kentucky, but his coverage area was later extended to the entire state.

The Pulaski County native is looking forward to being back in the region and raising his family here. “I am excited about the innovative efforts The Center has implemented to assist Southern and Eastern Kentucky residents and look forward to being a part in initiating future initiatives with key partners to turn challenges into successes,” he said.

Tackett began his career at Lake Cumberland District Health Department in Somerset, where he was responsible for health education programs in a collaborative effort with local school districts.

He has a bachelor of science degree in health education and a master’s degree in secondary education from Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green.

Tackett and his wife, Kelley, have a son, Camden, 3 years old.

College-bound, Kentucky high school seniors are eligible to apply for the Robert C. Byrd Scholarship Program which will provide funds of $1,500 per year for a maximum of four years.  This funding opportunity is administered through the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA).  Students may register  by accessing the KHEAA website through the Zip Access system located at the top of the homepage.  Deadline for application completion and guidance counselor verification is February 15, 2008. 

Computers for Learning - Schools register and request equipment on the Computers for Learning web site, and federal agencies match their surplus equipment to schools with those needs.

 

Teachers who register at the Adopt-a-Classroom web site can be adopted by an individual, a business, or a foundation. Once adopted, teachers will receive $500 worth of credit to purchase items that enrich the learning environment, including classroom technology.

 

 

The 2008 Rogers Scholars Program will be held June 22-27 and July 6-11 at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset.  Selection of this year's class of 60 youth is currently underway with the scoring of applications.  For more information about this program for rising high school juniors, visit the website .

 

Student applicants for the Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI) are being reviewed at this time.  This week-long summer camp will be held at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset on June 8-13.  More information can be obtained by viewing the website.

 

Applications are still being accepted for the Rogers Explorers Program scheduled for June 1-3 for students preparing to enter their freshman year in high school. Conducted at the University of the Cumberlands, students have the opportunity to experience hands-on science and math in fun and exciting ways.  Applications can be found on the website with the deadline being April 4. 

 

The next Forward in the Fifth Board of Directors Meeting is scheduled for March 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset.