Our Work In Pennsylvania Investment Priorities In Fiscal Year 2023, ARC and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development partnered on the following investments and projects. Investment Snapshot Counties in Appalachia (52 out of 67 counties): Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Bedford, Blair, Bradford, Butler, Cambria, Cameron, Carbon, Centre, Clarion, Clearfield,…

Josh grew up in Pennsylvania, watching his parents serve their community — his father was a pediatrician, and his mother was an educator. Their example inspired Josh to enter into public service, and from a young age, Josh recognized that standing up for others was how he wanted to spend…

Neil Fowler serves as the Executive Director of the Center for Strategic Partnerships at the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED). In this capacity, he works with economic and workforce development partners across the Commonwealth to support entrepreneurs and businesses facing challenges as well as opportunities. In Pennsylvania’s…

ARC’s Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE) is a funding opportunity driving large-scale, regional economic transformation through multi-state collaborative projects. Launched in 2022 using funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) ARISE is strengthening Appalachian businesses and industries, and supporting the…

Since 2015, ARC’s POWER Initiative has invested millions in projects working to create jobs, fuel new industries, and prepare students and workers for new opportunities in coal-impacted communities. ARC’s largest single POWER funding package to date was awarded in October 2023, with one state receiving an…

ARC’s POWER Initiative has invested millions to connect students and workers in coal-impacted communities with in-demand, high-growth industries. One such sector, semiconductor manufacturing, has been experiencing a global shortage since the COVID-19 pandemic. This has impacted the production of everything from home appliances and smart phones, to car keys…

In KY, PA, VA, and WV, ARC partners are building trails and tourism experiences.

Since 1974, JARI has supported the economic growth and diversification of Pennsylvania’s Southern Alleghenies region. Their service area in Greater Johnstown, Pennsylvania historically relied on the steel and coal industries, and like other Appalachian communities needed to diversify its local and regional economic bases to improve long-term vitality.  In order to best carry out its…

Addiction treats women differently, so POWER designed treatment to meet those needs.

This story is one of several "Stories of Change" highlighted in a new evaluation of ARC's POWER Initiative.