LEXINGTON, Ky. – March 23, 2026 – Kentucky VALOR (KY VALOR) recently marked its 200th placement of veterans and their family members in jobs with Kentucky employers, a major milestone for the workforce initiative connecting military talent with job opportunities across the commonwealth.
The program, an initiative of the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC), helps service members transitioning out of the military and their families find fulfilling careers while addressing workforce challenges faced by employers across Kentucky.
“Reaching 200 placements is an exciting milestone for our team and for the service members we serve,” said KY VALOR Executive Director Molly Bode. “Every placement represents a successful transition and a stronger Kentucky workforce. With a growing pipeline of candidates, we are just getting started in connecting this incredible talent pool to opportunities across the commonwealth.”
The KY VALOR team recruits nationally and internationally and now has a pipeline of more than 2,500 service members and spouses interested in relocating to Kentucky. Some service members begin looking for their next home more than 18 months prior to leaving the military.
“Kentucky VALOR continues to demonstrate what is possible when state leaders and industry partners align around a shared goal,” said Rep. DJ Johnson. “These 200 placements mean more veterans finding purpose after service and more Kentucky employers gaining dependable, highly trained team members. That is a strong return for our commonwealth.”
The program launched in July 2022 with funding from the Kentucky General Assembly and builds on a previous U.S. Department of Labor grant that created 44 accelerated pathways to occupational licensure. These pathways give service members credit for their military experience and lead to 55 licensed or certified occupations, covering more than 180 Military Occupational Specialties. Kentucky remains one of only three states offering these military-friendly pathways.
“Hitting this milestone reinforces the value of this program for Kentucky’s economy,” said KSTC President Terry Samuel. “We are connecting employers with a disciplined, skilled workforce while helping service members build their next chapter here. It is a powerful combination that benefits communities across the state.”
This milestone emphasizes what sustained investment can achieve by connecting a growing pipeline of service members and their families to opportunities in Kentucky.
To learn more about KY VALOR and to register as an employer partner or client, visit kyvalor.com.
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About Kentucky VALOR
KY VALOR is an initiative of the Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation that helps veterans capitalize on their military experience to meet career goals and find a fulfilling post-service career. KY VALOR partners with employers throughout the commonwealth to recruit and connect transitioning service members and their spouses to open job opportunities. Learn more at kyvalor.com.
About Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation
Kentucky Science & Technology Corporation (KSTC) is a private, statewide nonprofit championing innovation in knowledge, talent and investment to accelerate Kentucky’s economic growth and competitiveness and secure a better future for all Kentuckians. By strengthening research and knowledge transfer, cultivating an innovation-ready workforce, and supporting strategic investment in Kentucky businesses, KSTC helps launch, scale and grow the ideas and companies that power the state’s economy. Learn more at kstc.com.