Through the Lab, we expose members to new perspectives (both from within and outside of the cohort) that share a common belief in TFAA’s 2030 goal. We believe that impact will be strengthened and/or accelerated as a result of collaboration across lines of difference, and we believe that taking the time to forge and sustain connections in this way will yield sources of untapped innovation potential. As a member, you’ll meet with folks working on different and similar community issues across Central Appalachia, building a network that will sustain not only members’ individual professional growth but growth for your community.

Members will take time to develop historical, social and cultural insights and inquiries relevant to similar and different community issues across at least 12 communities in Central Appalachia. Ultimately, members will come to understand shared challenges/opportunities across different geographies and will be able to affirm community assets, in addition to deeply understanding the aspirations of students, families and community members in the places they learn about.

We believe that focusing on leadership at these three levels will lead to accelerated impact toward the TFAA 2030 goal in Central Appalachia. The leadership development support provided by TFAA is boutique-style and highly personalized, focusing on developing members’ individual and unique vantage points. Members will receive support in the pursuit of their individual goals both through 1:1 work with TFA Appalachia staff and through collaboration within the Lab cohort. Members will pursue a personalized learning plan throughout the three-year duration of the Lab experience.

The Lab is unique in bringing systems-change thinkers together across many lines of difference, grounded in the belief that a myriad of innovations, points of connection, and actions across these lines will be what ultimately achieves TFAA’s 2030 goal for the region. We seek to position members to collaborate across silos and sectors, creating “sticky” actions that compel change in multiple ways. Members will engage in meaningful workshopping and peer-to-peer consultancies within the cohort, furthering their specific thinking around individual and community challenges, while contributing to others’ thinking in the same way.