As artificial intelligence gains a significant foothold in the United States economy, Kentucky leaders want to invest more in the state’s future technology industry workers.
Kentucky isn’t known nationally for its technology sector. The Columbus CEO found that the Bluegrass state ranked among the worst states for tech job openings. The recently launched ‘We Lead CS’ initiative aims to build Kentucky’s reputation as a viable place for tech workers.
We Lead CS is a virtual career academy focused on expanding students’ access to computer science education, especially in rural areas. The program, established in 2022 with a $3 million appropriation from the Kentucky General Assembly, offers students the opportunity to learn about video game design, programming, computer-aided design, and engineering. Students also have access to mentorship through a college and career coach who provides personalized guidance.
At any given time, there are approximately 3,400 open technology-related positions in Kentucky that pay an average of $80,000, according to a press release from We Lead CS.
“We have not anywhere nearly enough high school students coming out of Kentucky high schools with industry certifications applying to those jobs, and we’re only graduating at 1,300 people a year out of Kentucky colleges and community colleges and universities,” We Lead CS CEO Alicia Sells. “We’re nowhere close to filling the pipeline.”
On Jan. 29, Sells was joined by Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce President Brent Cooper, Sen. Steve Rawlings, Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, Rep. Mike Clines and Rep. Mark Hart gathered in Fort Mitchell to accept a $20,000 ‘Take the Lead’ grant to the chamber of commerce from We Lead CS.
Throughout 2025, We Lead CS is distributing $100,000 worth of microgrants to chambers of commerce across the state in order to grow Kentucky’s tech talent pipeline. The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce was the first organization to receive a grant.
Take the Lead grants encourage recipients to partner with local schools, universities, and tech companies to create different programs and support systems.
Cooper, who founded the Covington-based IT firm C-Forward, told LINK nky that computer science education is vital to the growth of the regional economy.
“Well, it’s crucial because it spans every industry that we have,” he said. “Health sciences depends on it. Advanced manufacturing depends on it. There isn’t a business out there that doesn’t require computer science and IT.”
Partnerships with groups like the INTERalliance of Greater Cincinnati and the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce allow We Lead CMS to introduce students to prospective employers.
“That is why this is so critical; it addresses multiple issues at the same time,” Cooper said. “It helps get folks into those careers. It helps those businesses find workers that they desperately need and I think a lot of businesses in Northern Kentucky look at the Cincy region as their pool of workers. This is an opportunity to look statewide.”
