In the Region - December 18, 2025 | Volume 10, Issue 48
ARC NEWS
Evaluating the Impact of ARISE 🌄
Today, we released the second annual evaluation of our Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies (ARISE).
The report evaluates data collected from 57 projects between September 2024 and August 2025. Included are summaries of progress and early impacts of ARISE-funded projects.
The report also identifies emerging themes related to successes, challenges and experiences implementing multi-state projects.
To date, ARISE grantees have served:
14,500 people, with over 5,600 improved
3,300 businesses and organizations, with over 900 improved
600 communities, with nearly 500 improved.
Grantees reported more than 300 jobs created, in total, and one grantee reported nearly 1,400 jobs retained. Nearly 200 ARISE grantees and partners rated multi-state collaboration as a “significant strength” of their projects. Benefits of multi-state projects included more cross-state collaboration, knowledge transfer, increased efficiency, and wider-reaching strategies.
➡️ Read the report.
COMMUNITY
With ARC support, Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) is expanding employer-university partnerships across the Lehigh Valley to embed real-world, work-based learning into coursework and prepare students for in-demand careers. 📈
Ohio University's George V. Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service will use $500K in READY Grants to Grow funds to support economic development work in 100 municipalities across Appalachian Ohio. 💪
AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITY
Now Accepting: READY Local Governments Contractor Proposals
Qualified consultants can now submit proposals to administer our READY Local Governments training program, with a scope of work that aligns with an April 2026-May 2027 timeline. The training program helps local government officials better identify, secure, manage and implement federally funded economic development projects.
The selected contractor will be responsible for administering the application and selection process, developing and implementing the virtual training program, and evaluating participant satisfaction.
Key Dates:
Questions due: January 9, 2026
Answers posted: January 23
Proposals due: February 13
Read the request for proposals.📜
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
Halfway Boulevard extension opens near I-70 and I-81, The Herald-Mail
History students help develop museum through ACRI grant, Westminster College
Sunbury receives $1M DCED grant for stormwater, sewer project, The News-Item
Central Appalachia
Jobs & Hope WV wins $1M ARC grant to expand recovery‑friendly workplaces, WVVA
Lewis County water and sewer projects land $2M in state grants to modernize infrastructure, The Weston Democrat
Marshall University students complete downtown walking path project in McDowell County, Lootpress
Southern Appalachia
Highland Rivers nets $1M grant to expand work programs in Northwest Georgia, The Polk County Standard Journal
Toyota’s 4T Academy rides into the holiday season with bike build, WTVA
