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A weekly snapshot of news, announcements, and other tidbits from the Appalachian Regional Commission
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ARC NEWS ROUNDUP | July 15, 2021 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 28
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Appalachian Leaders Graduate in Washington, D.C.
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This week, 38 fellows graduated from the Appalachian Leadership Institute, a leadership and economic development program that helps participants develop the knowledge and network needed to create positive community change. Members of the Class of 2021, along with their friends and family, attended the ceremony — 24 in-person in Washington, DC, and 14 virtually.
“You navigated this tumultuous year with grace and determination,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “You are the driving force of change in your communities…I am honored to congratulate you today on your achievement.”
Phil Cooper, a community recovery leader, ARC INSPIRE partner, and the Institute's class speaker spoke about the importance of collaboration to overcome challenges and facing substance use disorder recovery in Appalachia head on. He said, "No community survives without its people... We're talking about human infrastructure. We have to normalize talking about recovery and recovery services. We have to look at the people who need help the most because we’re only as strong as our weakest link. In order for Appalachia to stay strong, we have to stick to our shared values."
As graduates of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, fellows are now part of the Appalachian Leadership Institute Alumni Network. This program will allow them to continue connecting with, and learning from, other leaders across Appalachia. With each graduating class, the network will continue to grow, connect leaders, and facilitate learning and idea exchange across the 13 Appalachian states.
Congratulations to these incredible Appalachian leaders! Learn more about the Class of 2021.
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Operation Gateway Kentucky Provides Free Health Care to Communities
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With support from ARC, the Department of Defense (DOD), and Gateway Area Development District (GADD), Operation Gateway Kentucky is providing no-cost medical, dental, and optometry services to uninsured or underinsured patients in Bath, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, and Rowan Counties this week.
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This civil‐military collaboration between U.S. communities and the DOD helps meet training and readiness requirements for Active, Guard, and Reserve Service Members, while addressing critical local health needs. The clinic expects to serve more than 2,500 Kentuckians this week.
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Along with other distinguished guests, ARC Federal Co-Chair Manchin addressed those serving in the mission.
"We know that Appalachia is disproportionately impacted in health disparities," said Manchin. ARC "can contribute to reducing health disparities by focusing on job creation, workforce development, educational enhancement, and local leadership."
Watch coverage of the clinic here.
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Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy Begins Accepting Proposals for Curriculum Design
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ARC is now accepting proposals from organizations within the Region to work in partnership with ARC on the programming, curriculum development, and execution for the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA). AEA helps high school students in the Appalachian Region strengthen their business and entrepreneurial thinking skills, in preparation for their role as the next generation of doers and thinkers in the Region.
Submitted proposals should describe a strategy for developing a residential summer camp experience for approximately 26 high school students on a college campus in the Appalachian Region.
Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. ET, September 3 and should be submitted via a PDF copy as one document to academies@arc.gov.
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Note: Last week's issue of In the Region mentioned Mountain BizWorks' new brand, Made By Mountains, with an incorrect link. We apologize for this error.
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Apply Today for a WORC Initiative Grant
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The U.S. Department of Labor announced a third round of funding for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative for $29.2 million, with awards ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 million. Last year, 14 projects in the Appalachian region received more than $14.5 million. The goal of WORC is to improve access to jobs in high-demand occupations, as well as help communities and workers plan for, and recover from, economic transitions. Successful WORC projects draw on long-term economic growth strategies, building on bottom-up, community-led plans maximizing economic resilience and regional strengths.
Apply for a WORC Initiative grant by 4:00 PM July 21, 2021. |
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Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center Offering Technical Assistance & Training
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Focusing on post-pandemic sustainability, ARC's Appalachia Nonprofit Resource Center (ANRC) is offering another round of nonprofit technical assistance this fall. Participants have the option to focus on Financial Management, Fundraising, Programs and Operations, or Board Development as their 10-week curriculum. Nonprofits have the option to suggest three to four organizations be considered as a cohort; however, all organizations must apply individually.
The deadline for applications is August 6. |
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ARC Issues RFP for Education and Workforce Development Projects
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ARC has issued a request for proposals from consultants to assess the extent to which ARC’s education and workforce development grants have contributed to the achievement of ARC’s strategic goals. Education and workforce development grants support skill development and workforce training for students and adults with the aim of creating a seamless system enabling Appalachians to succeed in existing industries, expanding options for workers transitioning into different sectors, and encouraging innovation for future opportunities.
Proposals should be submitted as one Word or PDF file to Regina Van Horne ( rvanhorne@arc.gov), Program Evaluator Division of Research & Evaluation, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on August 9, 2021. |
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Join the ARC team! We’re seeking candidates for the following positions to support our mission:
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Word from the Smokies: Road Ecology Comes to Southern Appalachia, Asheville Citizen Times, Asheville, NC
New State Budget is Win for Southeast Ohio, Advocates Say, The Columbus Dispatch, Columbus, OH
Find Father Bernard’s Blessed Biscuits Saturdays at Jamestown Public Market, Jamestown Gazette, Jamestown, NY
‘Quiltin' in the Mountains Shop Hop’ Kicks Off July 9, Will Support Local Businesses, Appalachian News-Express, Pikeville, KY
28 Appalachian Counties Experienced Economic Uptick in Past Year, According to New ARC Findings, WTRF, Wheeling, WV
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