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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 22, 2021 | VOLUME 6, ISSUE 29
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Exploring Investments in Appalachian Ohio
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This week, ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin and Executive Director Brandon McBride joined John Carey, director of Ohio Governor’s Office of Appalachia; Julia Hinton, ARC Ohio state program manager; and Ohio’s Local Development Districts to see ARC investments in action.
From critical infrastructure, to career readiness, recovery-to-work, and the creation of a vibrant downtown, collaboration and strong community partnerships are having a real impact in Appalachian Ohio.
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Workforce Training & Advanced Manufacturing
Washington State Community College (WSCC)’s Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Education Collaborative (RAMTEC) uses ARC POWER support to train students in automation, robotics, mechatronics, welding, and more. WSCC boasts more than 10,000 alumni and prepares students for in-demand, high paying jobs.
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The Collins Career Technical Center received ARC support to purchase state-of-the-art heavy equipment simulators developed by Caterpillar. This equipment provides the most realistic simulation training available to prepare students for careers in growing sectors. The Center’s high school programs focus on welding, auto collision, science, auto technology, heavy equipment operation, building maintenance, and more (pictured above via The Herald Dispatch).
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Career & Business Readiness
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For nearly a decade, Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) has helped students and young professionals find meaningful employment. In 2017, the BB2C Epicenter launched Washington County’s first small business incubator and makerspace, both of which offer Appalachian entrepreneurs and startups the tools they need to grow ideas. BB2C has also assisted the Governor’s Office of Appalachia in the creation of a Summer STEM camp modeled after ARC’s Oak Ridge Summer STEM Program. In 2019, BB2C held an in-person camp for all Ohio Oak Ridge applicants, and in the past two years a virtual option was provided.
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Critical Infrastructure
Economic growth relies on strong community infrastructure. In Richland and Jackson Townships, many residents did not have a safe, reliable source of potable water and were hauling drinking water from vending stations in other counties. ARC support helped Vinton County construct a new water station that's now serving approximately 60 households.
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With support from ARC's INSPIRE and POWER initiatives, organizations and employers are eliminating barriers to long-term recovery.
Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC) partnered with Ross and Jackson-Vinton Community Action Commissions to launch the Southern Ohio Employer Resources Network. This initiative connects employers and social services providers to remove barriers, and create more supportive environments, for those reentering the workforce.
Bellisio Foods is a frozen foods manufacturer and a recovery-friendly employer. Their support models have successfully reduced absenteeism and increased retention. Watch this video to hear Nick Erwin, the senior director of operations at Bellisio and ARC Substance Abuse Advisory Council member, explains how they're working to heal their community.
The Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization (ILCAO) is using ARC INSPIRE funds for their Recovery Ecosystem Expansion. This project combines intensive outpatient services with job training and placement with recovery-friendly employers. Jessica, an individual who graduated from the program, credits her long-term recovery success to the program. “They’re still very much a part of my life, even though I graduated a while ago,” she said. “The program helped me build back the things I lost.”
Ohio University's Appalachian Recovery Project is using a $1.1M POWER grant to provide services, job training and placement for women in five coal-impacted counties.
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COVID-19 Response
When COVID began, students at Shawnee State University began making face shields for the local medical community. When Ohio’s economy opened back up, the demand for the face shields skyrocketed with inquiries coming from local schools, businesses, and the medical community. The ARC grant purchased equipment to allow students to meet the increase in demand for face shields.
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Natural & Cultural Assets
Marietta, Ohio is a great example of a flourishing downtown thanks to investments in public art, local business, outdoor recreation, historic preservation, and more since 2016. More than $32,000 has been invested across 11 public art projects - a sculpture and 10 murals - one of which features around a dozen local artists. One incredible place to visit? Peoples Bank Theatre, a historic landmark creating economic growth through artistic and educational programs.
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State & Local Partnerships
ARC is a uniquely structured federal, state, and local partnership, with all levels working together to create change in Appalachian communities. A critical aspect of that partnership is support from Appalachian Governors. After a few days of exploring communities, ARC's Federal Co-Chair met with 2020 States' Co-Chair Governor Mike DeWine. Learn more our partnership with the Governor and state of Ohio here.
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ARC Seeks Partner for Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy Development
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ARC is 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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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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In Md. Coal Country, a Push for Clean Energy — and a College Campus Leads the Way, Maryland Matters, Takoma Park, MD
NETL Regional Workforce Initiative to Host Regional Advanced Manufacturing and Energy Innovation Group Summer 2021, India Education
Six Athens County Students Receive Scholarships from Foundation for Appalachia Ohio, The Athens Messenger, Athens, OH
Largest Clinical Trial of Depression in Appalachia Seeking Eligible Participants, WTAP, Parkersburg, WV
West Virginia Launches Effort to Promote Appalachian Cuisine, Associated Press, New York, NY
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