ARC hosts 100 Appalachian college and university students at community research symposium, seeks 2025 participants
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) hosted 100 students from 15 Appalachian colleges and universities for the 24th annual Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) symposium at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View in Arlington, Va. Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7.
Supported by ARC and organized by the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), participating schools offer a for-credit seminar during the fall semester to help students develop and execute field-based research projects that address the unique economic development needs of their communities and align with ARC’s investment priorities.
As a capstone, students are presenting their work to other student delegations from participating institutions, ARC leadership, and community leaders in a formal peer-to-peer conference setting hosted by ARC and the Consortium of Appalachian Colleges and Universities.
“By encouraging Appalachia’s college students to present their solutions to the region’s challenges, ACRI sets the groundwork for the next generation of Appalachian leadership and prosperity,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “I applaud this year’s participants for their hard work, willingness to collaborate and passion for helping improve the quality of life for their neighbors across Appalachia’s 13 states. I hope this inspires other forward-thinking students to follow their lead by participating in ACRI next year.”
Student delegations from the following schools participating in this year’s ACRI Symposium include:
• Alfred State College, Alfred, N.Y.
• Appalachian State University, Boone, N.C.
• East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tenn.
• Emory & Henry University, Emory, Va.
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pa.
• Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio
• Marshall University, Huntington, W.Va.
• Morehead State University, Morehead, Ky.
• Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
• Radford University, Radford, Va.
• Seton Hill University, Greensburg, Pa.
• University of Charleston, Charleston, W.Va.
• University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.
• Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
• Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa.
ARC has released a notice of solicitation for applications (NOSA) seeking college and university applicants for ACRI in 2025. Applications are due April 11, 2025.
Since 2001, more than 3,100 college and graduate students from 34 colleges and universities across Appalachia have participated in ACRI. Many have entered into careers in economic and community development across the region, applying what they learned in ACRI to strengthen Appalachia.
ACRI is one of ARC’s four academies and institutes, offering experiential learning opportunities where participants build collaborative networks, hone skills, and foster an enduring commitment to Appalachia’s future.
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
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