In the Region - June 11, 2026 | Volume 11, Issue 23
ARC NEWS
Congratulations to the Newest ALI Alumni
This week, we celebrated the accomplishments and future opportunitiesof the Appalachian Leadership Institute (ALI) Class of 2025–2026 during their graduation ceremony in Charleston, West Virginia.
ALI trains the region’s public, private and nonprofit leaders to use economic development as a tool to drive positive change.
Following graduation, the leaders will apply their new skills as they continue to serve their communities. They also gain access to the ALI Alumni Network, approximately 250 leaders who help facilitate continued learning and idea exchange.
COMMUNITY
The U.S. Economic Development Administration is accepting applications now for its AI Upskill Accelerator Pilot Program. The program aims to support eligible entities in the design and implementation of workforce training to provide in-demand AI skills. 🦾
Southwest Virginia Community College in Tazewell County, Virginia, will use $1.8M in POWER funds to expand its career and technical education programs. 🔋 These improvements will better equip the area’s workforce with skills that are in demand locally.
More than $400K in POWER funds will power the upgrade of electrical service in Trumbull County, Ohio. ⚡ The investment is expected to increase capacity at an aluminum extrusion plant, enabling the creation of 30 new jobs.AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES
Funding for Rural Workforce Training
In partnership with the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration, the Delta Regional Authority, and the Northern Border Regional Commission, ARC is inviting applications for funding through the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative. ✅
The WORC Initiative was created to support community-led grant projects that address identified workforce and economic development challenges in rural Appalachia and other regions.
Potential projects should help identify and meet the workforce needs of regional employers and/or enable community members to obtain or retain family-sustaining employment so they can remain and thrive in their communities.
Three Contract Opportunities Available Now
ARC is currently seeking proposals from qualified consultants for three different contract opportunities!
🏗️ Evaluation of ARC’s Business Development Site Grants (Questions due June 11, Proposals due July 10)
💵 Assessing the Economic Effects of ARC’s Investments in Appalachia (Proposals due June 16)
🚚 Improving Prioritization Methods and Metrics for Rural Appalachian Highways (Proposals due June 25)
APPALACHIA IN THE NEWS
Northern Appalachia
Coaldale Street reopens after resurfacing project, Times News
PA Wilds Center announces 2026 Champions of the PA Wilds Awards, NCPA
Central Appalachia
Golden LEAF announces retirement of President and CEO Scott Hamilton, The Enterprise
Powering Appalachia Expo connects business owners to valuable resources, WTAP
Several new water projects in the works for McDowell County,Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Southern Appalachia
