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 Research Initiative (ACRI) symposium at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, December 5 and Saturday, December 6, 2025.
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 presented 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.
“By encouraging college students to become invested in finding solutions to regional challenges, ACRI sets the stage for the next generation of Appalachian economic prosperity,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “I am proud of this year’s participants for their commitment to bettering their communities; hopefully the outcomes of their work will inspire other engaged students to participate in ACRI next year.”
Student delegations from the following schools participated in this year’s ACRI Symposium:
Alfred State College, Alfred, NY
Appalachian State University, Boone, NC
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA
Marietta College, Marietta, OH
Marshall University, Huntington, WV
Ohio University, Athens, OH
Radford University, Radford, VA
Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA
Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA
“Investing in the next generation of leaders and public servants isn’t the work of tomorrow; it’s the mission of today,” said ARC 2025 States’ Co-Chair, Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “We are deeply inspired by the research of these exceptional students, who are doing their part to make a difference in the communities that nurtured their success. The entire region will be better off because they raised their hands to serve.”
ARC Seeks 2026 ACRI Participants
ARC has released a notice of solicitation for applications (NOSA) seeking college and university participants for ACRI in 2026. Applications are due April 10, 2026.
Since 2001, more than 3,200 college and graduate students from colleges and universities across Appalachia have participated in ACRI. Many have entered into careers in economic and community development across the region, applying what they learned in ACRI to strengthen Appalachia.
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 economic future.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development 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 to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.