New POWER projects are expected to create or retain over 1,100 jobs and prepare over 11,000 workers and students for new opportunities in coal communities across eight Appalachian states. Washington, D.C., September 17, 2026 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $45.5 million to 47 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative.

Despite economic improvements, the region still lags behind the U.S. in population growth and broadband access. Washington, D.C., August 20, 2026 – New data released today by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in the 16th annual update of The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2020–2024 American Community Survey shows key…

Applications are due July 31 for READY Local Governments, which offers training to help local government officials better identify, secure, manage and implement economic development projects. WASHINGTON, D.C., June 25, 2026 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for…

Following completion of the Appalachian Regional Commission’s eight-month economic development training program, graduates bring new skills and vision to their work strengthening Appalachian communities.   CHARLESTON, WV, June 11, 2026—The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is proud to announce that 40 fellows from Appalachia’s 13 states graduated from its Appalachian…

Letters of intent are due May 22, 2026, for funding through ARC’s POWER Initiative, which creates new opportunities in Appalachian coal communities.  Washington, D.C., May 5, 2026—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for its fiscal year (FY) 2026 Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce…

Letters of intent are due May 12, 2026, for funding through ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative, which seeks to help Appalachians in recovery enter and reenter the workforce.  Washington, D.C., April 21, 2026—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for its Investments Supporting…

Public, private and nonprofit leaders throughout Appalachia are encouraged to apply for ARC’s free eight-month training program.  WASHINGTON, D.C., April 16, 2026 —Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for the eighth class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), an eight month leadership development training opportunity with a focus on economic development in Appalachia. Anyone living…

Gov. Reeves will work alongside ARC’s Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin and fellow Appalachian state governors to boost economic growth across the 13-state region.  Washington, D.C., January 5, 2026 – Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves has been elected by his fellow Appalachian governors to serve as…

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…

Awards will help Appalachian organizations, community foundations and local governments obtain the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to address their local economic development needs.  WASHINGTON, D.C., December 4, 2025 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded over $12.6 million to 80 projects designed to strengthen local economies…

New class of ARC’s economic development training program comprises 40 fellows from across all 13 Appalachian states.  WASHINGTON, D.C., October 23, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced the 40 fellows selected for the 2025-2026 class of the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI), a training…

Applications are due December 3rd for Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Appalachian STEM Academy.   WASHINGTON, D.C., October 16, 2025 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for two summer study opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both programs, planned…

Through ARC’s INSPIRE Initiative, the award package will expand support services to help Appalachians in recovery enter and re-enter the workforce in nine Appalachian states.   WASHINGTON, DC, September 23, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded $11 million to 32 projects through its Investments Supporting…

Pre-applications are due December 5, 2025, for funding through ARC’s ARISE Initiative. Washington, DC, September 9, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for its  Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE). ARISE…

Letters of intent are due September 12, 2025 for funding through ARC’s POWER Initiative, which creates new opportunities in Appalachian coal communities. Washington, D.C., August 12, 2025—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) issued a notice of solicitation of applications (NOSA) for its Partnerships…