This report is the second in a series of annual evaluation reports for ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE). ARISE is a multi-state initiative that aims to drive large-scale, regional economic transformation through collaborative projects.

Based on a combination of project-level inquiry with initiative-level analysis, key findings for ARISE’s second year include:

• ARISE grantees are making progress toward results. As of August 31, 2025, grantees have collectively reported serving over 14,500 people (students, workers, and participants), with over 5,600 improved; serving about 3,300 businesses and organizations, with over 900 improved; and serving more than 600 communities, with nearly 500 improved. Grantees reported more than 300 jobs created, in total, and one grantee reported nearly 1,400 jobs retained.
• Four ARISE projects have closed and reported closeout metrics. Collectively, these grantees reported meeting 100% or more of all planned outputs and outcomes.
• Grantees and partners rated adaptability, partner commitment & engagement, and effectiveness of partner collaboration as top strengths of ARISE projects.
• Multi-state impact was rated a “significant strength” by nearly 200 ARISE grantees and partners representing 45 projects. Grantees reported that cross-state collaboration facilitated knowledge transfer, increased efficiency, and built strategies with broader reach than would have been possible within a single state.