About
Blueprint Kentucky (formerly CEDIK) emerged as a college level unit within the University of Kentucky’s Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment in 2010.
College administration recognized the need for both an internal source of professional development and instruction for students and county extension agents, as well as an external reach to Kentucky communities with programming and research that focuses on community and economic development.
Since its founding in 2010, CEDIK (Community & Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky) evolved into a trusted and impactful partner in Kentucky's community and economic development. CEDIK has thrived as a college-level initiative and turns 15 in 2025. Given our age as an organization, we are no longer an initiative. Our re-naming to Blueprint Kentucky in April 2025 reflects our growth and the mission of our unit.
Blueprint Kentucky continues its focus on economic development, leadership development, community health, and arts and design, as well as UK’s land-grant mission.
This change is part of a broader university strategy to strengthen land-grant engagement, with Blueprint Kentucky Executive Director Alison Davis appointed as Assistant VP for Land-grant Engagement and Economic Initiatives, in the UK Office of Land-grant Engagement in September 2024.
Mission
Catalyze positive change to build engaged communities and vibrant economies.
Vision
Empowered people. Thriving communities.
Goals
- Provide research and information that supports community and economic development.
- Build the leadership and organizational capacity of peoples and communities.
- Support community decision-making and collaborative initiatives.
- Facilitate partnerships and networks that enable communities to thrive economically, physically and socially.
- Sustain Blueprint Kentucky’s organizational capacity to efficiently and effectively accomplish its mission and vision.
