Since 2001, over 3,100 students from 34 colleges and universities across Appalachia have participated in the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI), formerly known as the Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP).
Administered by East Tennessee State University, ACRI is an applied research training program for Appalachian college students to support economic development initiatives for their communities. ACRI class projects have addressed a wide variety of regional challenges, including downtown revitalization, tourism development and workforce needs.
Applications Now Open
ARC has released a notice of solicitation for applications (NOSA) seeking college and university applicants for ACRI in 2026. Applications are due April 10, 2026.
Sharing Solutions to Address Community Challenges
ACRI Presentations
In 2025, Marietta College students researched the healthcare workforce needs in and around Washington County, Ohio. Working with the Ely Chapman Educational Foundation, students provided wellness checks for school-aged children and pop-up clinics for vaccines and healthcare screenings. Data was collected about the use and effectiveness of the clinics to assess how this model might be replicated with other community partners.
Also in 2025, University of Pittsburgh students built on several years of community collaboration in Fayette County, Pennsylvania to work on applied research projects through the Fayette County Cultural Trust. Collaborating with community partners, they worked to remediate blight, provide education for entrepreneurs and small business owners, build regional tourism and measure civic engagement.