In the Region - December 11, 2025 | Volume 10, Issue 47

Written By Brian Williamson

ARC NEWS

ACRI Hosts 2025 Symposium; Applications Open for 2026

Last week, ARC’s Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) hosted the 25th annual capstone research symposium, bringing together 100 students from 13 Appalachian colleges and universities to share field-based research focused on local and regional economic development. 

Organized by the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services at East Tennessee State University, participating schools offer a for-credit seminar where students develop projects designed to address the needs of their communities and align with ARC’s investment priorities. 

Since 2001, more than 3,200 college and graduate students have participated in ACRI, many of whom now work in community and economic development roles across Appalachia. 🎓

Applications Open for 2026 ACRI Participants 

Applications are now open for the 2026 program. Colleges and universities interested in participating can review the notice of solicitation for applications (NOSA). Applications are due April 10, 2026. ⏱️

Thank you to our 2025 ACRI participants: 

  • Alfred State College, Alfred, NY 

  • Appalachian State University, Boone, NC 

  • East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 

  • Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, PA 

  • Marietta College, Marietta, OH 

  • Marshall University, Huntington, WV 

  • Ohio University, Athens, OH 

  • Radford University, Radford, VA 

  • Seton Hill University, Greensburg, PA 

  • University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 

  • University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 

  • Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 

  • Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA 

Learn more about ACRI and our academies and institutes. 🔍

COMMUNITY

Caldwell County, North Carolina, is planning to use $1.4M (including $200K from ARC) to support access to energy and utilities services, as well as the construction of a 50K-square-foot commercial facility within the Evergreene Industrial Park in Sawmills. 🔆

In Marion County, Alabama, $250K in ARC funds will support an essential upgrade to the City of Guin's wastewater treatment system. 🚰 Particularly, officials plan to rehabilitate its package plant, used to treat water in areas that are not connected to municipal sewers.

Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center hosted its partner organizations(including local development districts) in Huntington, West Virginia, last week to discuss strategies for supporting regional manufacturing economies. 🤝

Brian Williamson

Creative and strategic Website & Graphic Designer with 15+ years of experience in design,
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In the Region - December 4, 2025 | Volume 10, Issue 46