Brand Evangelist

Year-Round Professional Development

Get Future-Ready

Whether you're starting out or starting over, we train designers, technologists, marketers, and researchers to not just enter their field — but lead it.

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Faith in the Future

Seven Sectors. One Mission.

Brand Evangelist provides professional development curriculum to agencies, institutions, educators, and workforce partners — designed for the unique needs of the region. Through hands-on, peer-powered, project-based learning, we leverage our professional experience, education, and first-party data to upskill the Appalachian workforce in emerging technologies. Our work is about continuously equipping professionals in high-demand careers, including:

AI & Technology

  • 15-1252
    Software Developer

Business

  • 43-4051
    Customer Service Representative
  • 13-1082
    Project Management Specialist
  • 43-9021
    Data Entry Keyer
  • 13-1151
    Training & Development Specialist

Design & Multimedia

  • 51-5112
    Print Press Operators
  • 27-1024
    Graphic Design
  • 27-4021
    Photographer
  • 27-2012
    Producer & Director

Research & Writing

  • 19-4061
    Social Science Research Assistant
  • 43-9031
    Desktop Publisher
  • 13-1161
    Market Research Analyst
  • 27-3041
    Editor
  • 27-3043
    Writer & Author

Sales & Development

  • 41-3091
    Sales Representatives of Services
  • 41-3011
    Advertising Sales Agent

Marketing

  • 27-3031
    Public Relations Specialist
  • 13-1121
    Meeting, Convention & Event Planner

Software & Systems

  • 15-1211
    Computer Systems Analyst
  • 15-1232
    Computer User Support Specialist

Designed for Today & Tomorrow

Pick Your Path.

Lab 1

Creative & Communications

Design & Multimedia · Research & Writing

Whether you're starting out or starting over, the Creative & Communications track equips you with the design, media, and messaging skills that companies and organizations are actively hiring for — right now.

  • Build a portfolio across design, photography, and editorial
  • Master Canva, Magnetic AI, GPTs and other AI-native creative tools
  • Ship a real campaign from a partner brief
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Lab 2

Business & Growth

Marketing · Business · Sales & Development

Whether you're starting out or starting over, the Business & Growth track equips you with the strategy, marketing, sales, and operations skills that companies and organizations are actively hiring for — right now.

  • Run a full marketing funnel from awareness to conversion
  • Manage projects, training programs, and customer service workflows
  • Plan and execute a live event from brief
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Lab 3

Technology & Systems

AI & Technology · Software & Systems

Whether you're starting out or starting over, the Technology & Systems track equips you with the software development, systems analysis, AI, and technical support skills that companies and organizations are actively hiring for — right now.

  • Vibe coded (AI dev) capstone deployed to production
  • Work fluently with React, TypeScript, Postgres, and AI agents
  • Triage support tickets and analyze systems performance
Explore Lab

Curriculum Highlights

Learn. Build. Grow.

01

Learn

Live cohorts, virtual labs, and self-paced modules built around in-demand industry skills and roles.

02

Build

Participants work on mock projects, or apprentice on real ones, and build a portfolio of experience.

03

Grow

Ongoing support to apply learning back on the job through an ecosystem of resources.

What Sets Us Apart

True to Appalachian values yet also tech-savvy.

Human-Centered Curriculum

Research-backed curriculum that prioritizes learning in projects, cohorts, and at the intersection of technology, creativity, and impact.

AI-Native Tools & Training

Every track integrates the AI tools and workflows shaping how modern teams design, market, and build.

Advising & Mentorship

Licensing partners extend their program's reach with access to the Brand Evangelist talent marketplace and mentor matching for students navigating their next career move.

Licensing for Educators

Licensing partners extend their capacity to meet the ever-evolving needs of the workforce, while Brand Evangelist lifts the technical burden and provides innovative resources.

FAQ

Frequently asked

Rooted in Appalachia. Ready for Anywhere.

Upskill Appalachia equips professionals with emerging technology skills through hands-on, project-based learning — hosted in partnership with institutions and delivered through a replicable model that any community across Appalachia can adopt and make their own.

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