Beginning today, students from 16 colleges and universities in 10 Appalachian states will share capstone research at the 22nd annual Appalachian Teaching Project symposium.
WASHINGTON, D.C., December 2, 2022 — The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is hosting 160 students from 16 Appalachian colleges and universities for the 22nd annual Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP) Symposium at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View in Arlington, Virginia, today, Friday, December 2, and Saturday, December 3, 2022.
Supported by ARC and organized by the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), participating schools offer a for-credit seminar during the fall semester to help students develop and execute field-based research projects that address the unique economic development needs of their communities and align with ARC’s investment priorities.
As a capstone, students will present their work to other student delegations from participating institutions, ARC leadership, and community leaders in a formal peer-to-peer conference setting hosted by ARC and the Consortium of Appalachian Colleges and Universities.
“Young leaders, such as the students who participated in this year’s Appalachian Teaching Project, are integral to shaping the future of economic development throughout Appalachia,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “I’m impressed by the hard work they put into their research projects and look forward to following their journeys as they continue to positively impact their communities, and communities across our region.”
Student delegations from the following schools participating in this year’s ATP Symposium include:
Alfred State College, Alfred, New York
Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
Frostburg State University, Frostburg, Maryland
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pennsylvania
Morehead State University, Morehead, Kentucky
Muskingum University, New Concord, Ohio
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
Radford University, Radford, Virginia
University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh – Bradford, Bradford, Pennsylvania
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
West Liberty University, West Liberty, West Virginia
Summaries of each research project are available at on ARC’s website.
Since 2001, more than 2,800 college and graduate students from 22 colleges and universities across Appalachia have participated in the Appalachian Teaching Project. During the symposium, ARC and ETSU will announce that ATP is being renamed to the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) to better reflect the valuable research participants prepare for communities. ARC has released an RFP seeking college and university applicants for ACRI in 2023. Applications are due March 31, 2023.
ACRI is one of ARC’s four academies and institutes, offering experiential learning opportunities where participants build collaborative networks, hone skills, and foster an enduring commitment to Appalachia’s future.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency 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 to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.