Specifications include, but are not limited to: The ACRI is designed to accomplish the following goals in support of the ARC mission and strategic plan.1.To promote student research projects that focus on Appalachian communities, preferably in one or more of the ARC-designated Distressed or At-Risk counties. These projects must involve direct, active participation and engagement with the community. For continuity of projects and relationships, some institutions will work with the same community for more than one year. Occasionally, some communities may be selected because they constitute distressed populations within counties that are not formally labeled as distressed or at-risk.2.To provide opportunities for students, most of whom are Appalachian natives and/or residents, to experience various parts of the Region and the work of the ARC. Request for Proposals—Appalachian Collegiate Research InitiativePage4of83.To provide opportunities for students to develop leadership, civic capacity, and communication skills.4.To increase student and community awareness of the mission and work of the ARC and the goals of its strategic plan.5.To promote projects that address one or more of the goals of ARC strategic plan. ARC also sets forth specific objectives that support each of the goals, which may be found in the ARC Strategic Plan. While all ACRI proposals will support Goal 5, ARC encourages projects that also specifically address Goals 1-4, including the following issues: substance use disorder recovery, business development and entrepreneurship, broadband and technology, and workforce development. •Goal 1: Building Appalachian Businesses. Strengthen and diversify the Region’s economy through inclusive economic development strategies and investments in entrepreneurship and business development. •Goal 2: Building Appalachia’s Workforce Ecosystem Expand and strengthen community systems (education, healthcare, housing, childcare, and others) that help Appalachians obtain a job, stay on the job, and advance along a financially sustaining career pathway. •Goal 3: Building Appalachia’s Infrastructure Ensure that the residents and businesses of Appalachia have access to reliable and affordable utilities and infrastructure in order to success fully live and work in the Region. •Goal 4: Building Regional Culture and Tourism Strengthen Appalachia’s community and economic development potential by preserving and investing in the Region’s local, cultural heritage, and natural assets. •Goal 5: Building Community Leaders and Capacity Invest in the capacity of local leaders, organizations, and communities to address local challenges by providing technical assistance and support to access resources, engage partners, identify strategies and tactics, and conduct effective planning and project execution.6.To provide opportunities for students to share their work, develop leadership skills, and build professional networks through a presentation to civic groups, elected officials, and/or at a regional or national conference.
