Harlan Co., KY (April 17, 2025) – A new early education initiative is launching in Eastern Kentucky, and Waterford Upstart is proud to partner with several nonprofits to support families as they prepare their children for kindergarten.
The Bright Start Explorers program is helping families in Harlan County prepare their four-year-olds for kindergarten with a unique blend of research-based learning tools and support. The program was recently featured in a WYMT news article highlighting its impact in the region.
In partnership with ParentPowered, Raising a Reader, and Partners for Rural Impact, Waterford Upstart is helping deliver a comprehensive learning experience that includes:
- Weekly learning tips via text
- Age-appropriate books for families to read together
- Access to the Waterford Upstart platform for personalized lessons in reading, math, and science
Every participating family will also receive support from learning coaches. For families who need it, no-cost internet access and a tablet are also available to help ensure full access to the program.
Kelli Moore, Director of Integrated Strategies at Partners for Rural Impact, emphasized the strength of combining these trusted programs: “BrightStart Explorers is particularly exciting because it brought together three top-notch partners in one comprehensive early learning strategy.”
Funded by federal education grants, Bright Start Explorers is open through July 2026 to children who will be four years old by July 31, 2025, and are not entering kindergarten this fall.
To read more about the program’s launch and impact in Harlan County, check out the full WYMT article here.