The Community Leadership Institute of Kentucky (CLIK): A Collaborative Workforce and Leadership Development Program

The Community Leadership Institute of Kentucky (CLIK), a workforce development and leadership program within the Community Engagement and Research Core of the University of Kentucky's Center for Clinical and Translational Science (UK CCTS), was developed to enhance community members' capacity to address pernicious rural health inequities.

In this article, we describe the development, implementation, and results of the program, examining program and project completion rates, quantitative and qualitative evaluations from participants, and professional achievements.

Based on existing models from other Clinical and Translational Science Awards Programs (CTSAs), CLIK provides diverse programming in a local, supportive setting and supports mentors/academic partners through education and networking. Now in its sixth year, CLIK participants have included 41 leaders from varied local settings, including public school systems, health departments, county and local governments, and other non-profit organizations. Shaped by extensive CLIK participant input, the program offers eleven didactic and hands-on training sessions in evidence-based programming and health promotion; a mentored research project addressing relevant local health inequities; and extensive networking opportunities.

CLIK has become an enrichment opportunity for local communities as well as a platform for academic engagement and bi-directional learning. Such community-academic partnerships are particularly needed in traditionally under-resourced rural communities.