Investing in Appalachia’s economic future.

Appalachian Regional Commission

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development partnership entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 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 Appalachia’s communities seize their opportunities, address economic disparity and advance prosperity.

Research and Resources

Strategic Plan

Appalachia Envisioned

ARC’s strategic plan, Appalachia Envisioned: A New Era of Opportunity, guides ARC’s work to innovate, partner, and invest in the Appalachian Region through 2026. Learn more about our investment goals, our guiding principles, our roles and more.

J-1 Visa Waiver Program

ARC is committed to helping Appalachians access quality, affordable health care. Accordingly, under certain conditions, ARC will consider recommending a waiver of the foreign residence requirement on behalf of physicians holding J-1 Visas in health professional shortage areas to address the region’s healthcare needs.

In The Region

Newsletter

This Week

In the latest issue, we open applications for ELEVATE, our summer internship program for students and recent graduates of Appalachian colleges and universities.

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