Climbing Forward: Celebrating the Impact of CLIMB & CRRCs

From pilot to practice: advancing campus partnerships that promote student well-being and workforce readiness

May 27, 2026 | Marriott Griffin Gate, Lexington

Join colleagues from across Kentucky for a one-day convening focused on advancing mental and behavioral health in postsecondary education. Climbing Forward brings together campus leaders, faculty, student affairs professionals, behavioral health practitioners, policymakers, and workforce partners to celebrate the impact of the CLIMB initiative and Collegiate Recovery Resource Centers, showcase the work supported through this funding, and explore how these efforts can continue beyond the life of the grants.

As student needs continue to evolve, this convening will highlight how institutions are moving from pilot programs to sustainable practices that support student well-being while also preparing students to be more workforce ready. Through campus examples, student perspectives, and shared discussion, participants will gain a clear understanding of what is working and how to strengthen partnerships that carry this work forward. This convening is designed for those working in higher education, behavioral and mental health, workforce development, local, state, and federal government entities, as well as community-based support services who are committed to improving student outcomes.

Participants will leave with practical ideas, stronger connections, and a renewed sense of how to sustain and grow this work in meaningful ways across campuses and communities.

Register

Draft Schedule

The schedule and sessions listed below may be subject to change.

• 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Registration and Networking Breakfast
• 9:30 – 9:45 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks
• 9:45 – 10 a.m. The Importance of Recovery and Rehabilitation Initiatives for Postsecondary Students in Kentucky
• 10 – 10:30 a.m. The Work of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission
• 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break
• 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Breakout Sessions
• 12 – 1:15 p.m. Lunch and Networking
• 1:15 – 1:45 p.m. Student Voices: The Impact of Recovery Support
• 1:45 – 2:15 p.m. Student Voices: The Impact of Participating in CLIMB
• 2:15 – 2:30 p.m. Break
• 2:30 – 3:15 p.m. How We Sustain Progress
• 3:15 – 3:30 p.m. Closing Reflections and Adjournment