The Appalachian Leadership Institute is designed to equip a diverse network of leaders with the skills, expertise, and vision to address Appalachia’s most pressing issues and increase our Region’s economic competitiveness.

To be eligible, applicants must live or work in one of the 423 counties of the Appalachian Region, as designated by Congress. For more information on the Appalachian Region, click here. Qualified applicants in the program will have a demonstrated commitment to their community and an interest in economic and community development.

No. The Appalachian Leadership Institute is for people who live and/or work in Appalachia and are passionate about helping their communities thrive. That could mean you work in economic development or it could mean you are an entrepreneur, teacher, elected official, or someone who is engaged in their community through volunteer or non-profit work. The most important quality in an applicant is that you are engaged and ready to learn how to help your community.

The Appalachian Leadership Institute is seeking a diverse pool of candidates from across the region. One resource with examples of resumes by industry, which might be helpful for skilled trades or non-traditional career paths can be found here. Another useful resume format option is the Functional Resume, which you can learn more about here. If you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact leadership@arc.gov.

There is no registration fee for fellows selected to participate in the Appalachian Leadership Institute and the program covers lodging, as well as breakfast and lunch during each session. Dinners will be on your own and at the participant’s expense, unless there is a reception or event scheduled. Additionally, the program covers up to $800 in reimbursed travel expenses for each of the seven sessions.

Sessions will be three to four days. Some sessions will begin midday on the first day, allowing for travel to the session the morning of the first day (or the day before depending on distance and travel times). Other sessions will begin at 8:00 am the first day, requiring travel anytime the day before the session. All sessions will adjourn midday on the last day, allowing for travel the afternoon of the final day.

Attendance to all sessions is encouraged, but participants are allowed an excused absence of 20 hours (or one full session) with the exception of Orientation. The entire Orientation session is mandatory and if an applicant has a conflict with the Orientation dates, we ask you wait until a future year to apply.

There will be 40 participants from across the Appalachian Region selected to participate in the program each year.

Applications for the Class of 2025-2026 of the Appalachian Leadership Institute will open in Spring 2025.