The Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI), formerly known as the Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP), is an applied research training program for Appalachian college and graduate students to support economic development initiatives for their communities.
As a finale to their coursework, ARC will host students and faculty sponsors from 15 schools at the 24th annual Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative Capstone Symposium on December 6-7, 2024 in Washington, D.C.!
As ARC’s state partners and ACRI school participants, we need your help to promote the work of ACRI students!
ARC will issue a press release about the ACRI Symposium at 11:00 a.m. ET on Friday, December 6 and promote on social media shortly after. Below we’ve provided key messages, press release and newsletter templates, social media posts, and graphics to make ACRI promotion as easy as possible.
Please kindly hold any promotion until ARC makes our announcement.
If you have any questions, please contact ARC’s Communications Director Janiene Bohannon.
The Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) is an applied-research training program for Appalachian college and graduate students, who receive college credit to conduct field research and design economic development initiatives addressing community issues.
The course concludes with a capstone symposium, where student delegations travel to D.C. to present their research to other students, ARC leadership, and Appalachian community leaders.
The 24th annual ACRI Capstone Symposium will take place December 6-7, 2024 at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View in Arlington, Virginia, where 150 students from 15 colleges and universities in 8 Appalachian states will share their capstone presentations.
Since 2001, more than 3,000 students from 34 Appalachian colleges and universities have participated in ACRI, with many alumni using the experience to begin careers in Appalachian community and economic development.
ACRI offers Appalachians a unique opportunity to guide hands-on research, build networks, hone skills, and foster a commitment to improving Appalachia’s future.
ARC’s press release will go live on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Here’s a preview. We have provided this press release template for you to customize and share with local media to help spread the word about the participating schools in your state.
Social Posts
On Friday, December 6, ARC will post a link to our ACRI press release on Facebook,Twitter,Instagram, andLinkedIn at 11:00 a.m. ET.
In any social media posts about ACRI, please remember to tag ARC and use #ACRI so we can see your post and engage!
Please customize the sample social media posts below to help share our post and spread the word about this year’s participants! You can also use any of our ACRI graphics from our social media library to accompany the copy.
Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram
We’re proud to have [SCHOOL NAME(S)] participating in the Appalachian Regional Commission‘s Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative! During this semester-long program, students generate community-based solutions to shape a brighter future for Appalachia. [STATE]’s delegation is presenting their project, “[PROJECT NAME],” this week at the 24th annual #ACRI Symposium!
Learn more: [LINK TO PRESS RELEASE]
Twitter
[STATE] is proud to have [SCHOOL NAME(S)] participating in @ARCgov‘s Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative!
ACRI is a semester-long program that generates solutions for Appalachia. Students are presenting “[PROJECT NAME]” at the 24th annual ACRI Symposium!
E-Newsletter Blurb
ARC will feature the ACRI announcement in our weekly newsletter, In the Region, on Thursday, December 12, 2024. If you do not already receive In the Region, please sign up today!
We’ve also developed an e-newsletter blurb about the ACRI symposium for you to share with your networks.
Press Release
ARC’s press release will go live on Friday, December 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET. Here’s a preview. We have provided this press release template for you to customize and share with local media to help spread the word about your school’s participation.
Social Posts
On Friday, December 6, ARC will post a link to our ACRI press release on Facebook, Twitter,Instagram, and LinkedIn a 11:00 a.m. ET.
In any social media posts about ACRI, please remember to tag ARC and/or use #ACRI so we can see your post and engage!
Please customize the sample social media posts below to spread the word about your participation this year! You can share ARC’s post, or use any of our ACRI graphics from our social media library to accompany the below copy.
Facebook/LinkedIn/Instagram
[SCHOOL NAME] is proud to be among the 15 schools participating in Appalachian Regional Commission’s Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative. This semester, our student delegation [DID WHAT; 1 SENTENCE DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT & ANTICIPATED IMPACT]. Their work was presented at the 24th annual #ACRI Symposium in Washington, D.C.
Learn more: [LINK TO PRESS RELEASE]
Twitter
We’re proud to be one of 15 @ARCgov Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative schools for 2024!
Our students [DID WHAT; 1 SENTENCE DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT & ANTICIPATED IMPACT]. Learn more here: [LINK TO PRESS RELEASE]
E-Newsletter Blurb
ARC will feature the ACRI announcement in our weekly newsletter, In the Region, on Thursday, December 12, 2024. If you do not already receive In the Region, please sign up today!
We’ve also developed an e-newsletter blurb about the ACRI symposium for you to share with your networks.
