Bendable is an online learning marketplace offered through local public libraries that provides in-demand courses to help guide students to the career path they want.

The horse industry in Kentucky reigns supreme. With more than 1,100 horse farms, the equine industry contributes an estimated 60,000 jobs and $6.5 billion of direct and indirect economic impact. However, the industry has experienced major labor shortages that stagnate growth. Laurie Mays, the equine and agriculture talent pipeline project manager at the Kentucky Chamber Foundation Workforce Center, saw an opportunity to develop a more comprehensive Workforce Readiness and Reentry Program for formerly incarcerated individuals.

While corporations may use background policies or educational requirements as proxies for trust or ability, this isn’t borne out in the data. More importantly, it means that they are missing out on a highly committed, often diverse candidate pool that could contribute to their bottom line.