More Than $995,000 Awarded to 40 Appalachian Organizations via ARC’s READY Nonprofits Initiative  

Funding will help Appalachian nonprofits in 11 states build organizational capacity, enabling them to better serve their communities.   WASHINGTON, D.C., December 14, 2023—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced $995,339 in awards through READY Nonprofits, one of four tailored tracks under ARC’s capacity-building initiative,…

North Carolina

North Carolina Health Disparities and Bright Spots

• Fact Sheet

• Health and Substance Abuse

Chris Hodes

Appalachian Gateway Communities Initiative: Providing Tools for Tourism 

Appalachia’s gateway communities — towns bordering on publicly owned lands, like national and state parks and forests — often find themselves caught between promotion and preservation. Promoting nature and culture is key for economic growth, especially for areas experiencing economic distress and transition. Too much use, however, impacts the preservation…

Mini SOAR Summit

March 07, 2022, 12:00 AM - March 08, 2022, 12:00 AM

The first-ever Mini SOAR Summit, presented by Kentucky Power, is coming to Ashland, KY, on March 7-8, 2022! Join us for breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and interactive discussions focusing on tourism and downtown revitalization. To stay up-to-date on SOAR events, click the link below to…

• Conference
• Workshop

Appalachian Farmers Markets: Creating Resilience in Communities

Appalachian farmers markets have long created opportunities for local producers and businesses, while fostering community pride and connection at their tables. Participating producers gain experience in direct-to-consumer sales, which often helps them improve products and even scale operations to prepare for larger selling opportunities. Hosting communities and surrounding retailers economically…

High School Completion Rates in Appalachia, 2008–2012

This map shows the high school completion rate of persons ages 25 and over in each of the ARC counties.

• Education

Legislative Update: U.S. House of Representatives Passes the FY 2021 Energy & Water Development Appropriations Bill Which Includes $175 Million for ARC

On July 31, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FY21 Energy & Water Development Appropriations bill which includes $175 million for ARC. This appropriation includes $65 million for POWER, $10 million for Substance Abuse Disorder, $10 million to continue a program of broadband deployment in distressed counties in Central…

Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission-Oak Ridge National Laboratory Summer Institute for Math/Science/Technology

This March 2006 report describes some of the key immediate and long-term outcomes achieved by the Appalachian Regional Commission–Oak Ridge National Laboratory Summer Institute for Math/Science/Technology for student and teacher participants.

• Education and Training

• Evaluation

• Education

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania FY 2023 Investments

• Fact Sheet

• ARC Investments

Sarah Arney

County Economic Status in Appalachia, FY 2004

This maps shows ARC’s economic classification of the 410 counties in the Appalachian Region for FY 2004 (October 1, 2003 through September 30, 2004).

• Economic Status

Legislative Update: President Trump Approves FY 2019 Energy and Water Appropriations Act, Including $165 Million for ARC

$165 million for ARC is included in the Fiscal Year 2019 Energy and Water Appropriations Act which was signed into law by President Trump on September 21, 2018. This is the largest appropriation for ARC's nonhighway work in the agency's history.

Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities

DOL’s Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative provides funding for projects that develop local and regional workforce development solutions in underserved communities and regions, including Appalachia.

Report of Recommendations: ARC’s Substance Abuse Advisory Council

This report includes 14 recommendations developed by ARC’s Substance Abuse Advisory Council to support a robust recovery ecosystem in Appalachia.

• Health

• Research Report

• Health and Substance Abuse

• Public Health
• Substance Use