News and Updates



ARC Seeking Applicants for Leadership Development Program Focused on Multi-Sector Economic Development

Public, private and nonprofit leaders throughout Appalachia are encouraged to apply for ARC’s free eight-month training program.  WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2026 —Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for the eighth class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), an eight month leadership development training opportunity with a focus on economic development in Appalachia. Anyone living or working…
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ARC Hosts 100 Appalachian College and University Students at Community Research Symposium, Seeks 2026 Participants 

Students from 13 colleges and universities across seven Appalachian states shared capstone research at the 25th annual Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative symposium.  WASHINGTON, D.C., December 11, 2025—The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) hosted 100 students from 13 Appalachian colleges and universities for the 25th annual Appalachian Collegiate…
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ARC Awards Over $12.6 Million to 80 Projects Designed to Strengthen Local Economies

Awards will help Appalachian organizations, community foundations and local governments obtain the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to address their local economic development needs.  WASHINGTON, D.C., December 4, 2025 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded over $12.6 million to 80 projects designed to strengthen local economies across 12…
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ARC Announces Appalachian Leadership Institute Class of 2025-2026 

New class of ARC’s economic development training program comprises 40 fellows from across all 13 Appalachian states.  WASHINGTON, D.C., October 23, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced the 40 fellows selected for the 2025-2026 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), a training opportunity that…
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ARC Accepting Applications for Summer Study Programs in Entrepreneurship and STEM for Region’s Middle and High School Students  

Applications are due December 3rd for Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Appalachian STEM Academy.   WASHINGTON, D.C., October 16, 2025 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for two summer study opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both programs, planned for summer…
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38 Fellows Graduate from the Appalachian Leadership Institute

Following completion of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s nine-month economic development training program, graduates bring new skills and vision to their work strengthening Appalachian communities.   WASHINGTON, DC, July 23, 2025—The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is proud to announce that 38 fellows from Appalachia’s 13 states graduated from…
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