About WCEA

Built by someone who spent 27 years watching Clark County's kids walk out the door.

WCEA exists to give Clark County teens a reason to believe their future can happen here — and the free, hands-on programs to prove it.

Who We Are

A public benefit nonprofit, built by Clark County.

WCEA operates as a Kentucky public benefit nonprofit, governed by seven founding board members — including a County Magistrate, a ten-term City Commissioner, and a local attorney.

Launch Lab

A nine-session program for Clark County teens ages 13–18, culminating in a public pitch event.

The Academy

A ten-month advanced program open to Launch Lab alumni ready to build a real, operating business.

Every program is free. Not discounted — free, permanently, regardless of a family's income.
Meet the Founder

John Chaney

John Chaney, founder of WCEA
John Chaney Founder, WCE Academy

John holds a B.S. and M.A. in Technology Education from Eastern Kentucky University, and an M.A. in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands. He spent 27 years teaching across four schools in Kentucky before founding WCEA.

"...the most promising kids in the room quietly deciding...that their future was going to happen somewhere else."

"...proof, while they're still young enough for it to change their trajectory, that building something here is possible."

Winchester can become a place with an actual startup culture.

Not a slogan — an actual pipeline of young people who build something here.