Alongside the tremendous impact TFA Appalachia teachers are making within their communities, the region will also require a robust pipeline of top talent across many other sectors and industries in order to achieve both TFA Appalachia’s 2030 goal and the region’s aspired bright future.

The Lab will empower top talent as bold leaders across systems, including healthcare, higher education and school leadership, business and entrepreneurship, technology and telecommunications, and more.

The Lab invites members to commit to pursuing individual and collective impact for three consecutive years in Central Appalachia, given the complex and deliberate nature of change, impact, and progress when working across systems.

Communities in the region are rich and diverse in their size, assets, populations, profiles, and challenges. The Lab will leverage diverse identities, professional experiences, perspectives, skill sets, and expertise to problem solve with ability, spur innovation, and achieve the region’s potential.

Meaningful, sustainable systems change in Central Appalachia requires the focus of leaders who are rooted in their local culture, who are familiar with both the challenges and opportunities, and who deeply believe in the potential of their communities. This pillar acknowledges the importance of authentic community leadership and partnership in the region.