In June 2025, Blake Moss, an Economic Developer from Pikeville, Kentucky, traveled to Poland. While sitting in a cobblestone alley having a drink toward the end of his trip, Blake thought about how powerful it could be to connect Appalachia to these same cobblestone streets and life changing experiences. That’s when Coalfields & Cobblestones was born.

C&C is an initiative aimed at leadership development and cultural exchange for young adults (ages 18–28) with ties to Central Appalachia. The vision is simple: shared cultural experiences abroad provide new perspectives and spark new ideas in a region where many never have the opportunity to step outside the mountains.

This is not a traditional “study abroad” program. It is open to and designed for young adults at any stage of life, whether in college, working, or still figuring out their next step. And it’s not a sanitized vacation. These trips will be raw, immersive, and challenging, carrying a lot of deep learning and reflection alongside the fun.

Anyone who has traveled abroad knows the impact it can have. Our goal is to bring that impact home to Appalachia — and see what the future holds when young people here are given the opportunity to see the world.

More details will be coming soon on logos, branding, sponsorship opportunities, and the application process. Until then… let’s just say there’s a lot of work to do.