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.

In 2023, Glenville State University students researched the impact moderate-income housing availability has on workforce development in Central West Virginia. Working with economic development corporations in Calhoun and Gilmer counties, their multi-case study investigated ways to provide modern, affordable housing to attract higher education and medical professionals to rural, economically distressed areas. 

In 2022, University of North Alabama students researched ways to build the recreation economy in northwest Alabama. Working with community partners in the city of Courtland, students worked to find creative economic development opportunities and raise awareness of community engagement projects with the Singing River Trail and the Tennessee RiverLine initiatives.