Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia.
A Region of Great Opportunity
ARC invests in Appalachia’s economic future by providing grants, publishing research, and sponsoring learning experiences – all to help the Region’s communities seize their opportunities, address economic disparity and advance prosperity.
Appalachian Mortality Rates Improve but Disparities Remain
A new report from the Appalachian Regional Commission finds that despite overall declining mortality rates from diseases of despair (overdose, suicide, and liver disease) between 2017–2018, the Region’s diseases of despair mortality rate in 2018 was still 36 percent higher than the rate for the non-Appalachian United States.
Available Opportunities
Area Development Program
ARC’s Area Development program makes investments in two general areas: critical infrastructure and business and workforce development. All ARC Area Development grant proposals originate at the state level in consultation with the ARC state program manager.
COVID-19 in Appalachia
As COVID-19 continues to impact the nation, ARC is carefully monitoring its effects in Appalachia. ARC’s goal during this crisis is to be a resource hub for the Region. Explore our maps, data, and webinars collected from the federal government, the 13 Appalachian state governments, and our partners.
In The Region
This Week: Last week, 150 students from 13 Appalachian colleges and universities gathered virtually for the 20th annual Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP). During the 2-day event, students presented their work to other student delegations from ATP participating institutions, ARC leadership, and community leaders in a formal peer-to-peer conference setting.