WASHINGTON, D.C. — This week, from Tuesday, November 30 to Friday, December 3, 2021, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) will host 150 students from 15 Appalachian based colleges and universities at the 21st annual Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP) Conference.
ATP is an applied-research academic program training college and graduate students to design community-based economic development initiatives across the Appalachian Region. As part of ATP, students enroll in a for-credit course and conduct field research to identify and solve a community development issue during the fall semester. As a capstone to this work, students present their work to other student delegations from ATP participating institutions, ARC leadership, and community leaders in a formal peer-to-peer conference setting hosted by ARC. Normally, this conference is held in Washington, D.C. where students use the trip as an opportunity to meet with policy leaders and learn more about the city. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ATP Symposium is being held online again this year.
“Appalachia needs young leaders, like those participating in the Appalachian Teaching Project, to bring forward-thinking economic development plans to life,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “This group of change-makers is capable of creating positive impacts in our communities, and I am excited to see the lasting effects these innovative projects will have on the Region long-term.”
Student delegations from the following schools participating in this year’s ATP will give presentations focusing on addressing community needs and challenges, economic development, tourism, and capacity building:
Alfred State College, Alfred, New York
Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina
Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama
East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
Fairmont State University, Fairmont, West Virginia
Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pennsylvania
Morehead State University, Morehead, Kentucky
Ohio University, Athens, Ohio
Radford University, Radford, Virginia
University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh — Bradford, Bradford, Pennsylvania
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee
Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
Young Harris College, Young Harris, Georgia
Since 2001, over 2,650 college and graduate students from across Appalachia have participated in the Appalachian Teaching Project. Many ATP alumnae have gone on to careers in public service, community development, and other related fields across the Region. Summaries of each research project are available at www.arc.gov/atp. ATP is one of four academies and institutes sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission. Through these experiential learning opportunities, participants build networks, hone skills, and cultivate an enduring commitment to Appalachia’s future.
Supported by ARC and organized by the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services at East Tennessee State University (ETSU), students receive college credit for participating in ATP, and schools participating in ATP offer a directed seminar guiding students in developing and executing field-based research projects specific to the needs of their surrounding communities and in alignment with ARC’s investment priorities
