2014 Appalachian Teaching Project PresentationsDecember 2014 |
Crystal City Marriott
1999 Jefferson Davis Highway
Arlington, Virginia
Twitter: #ARCATP
The Appalachian Teaching Project (ATP) gives college students the opportunity to engage in research projects that address endemic challenges facing Appalachian communities. Led by the Consortium of Appalachian Centers and Institutes, a coalition of 16 Appalachian-studies organizations, the program includes coursework and active research on issues related to building a sustainable future for Appalachian communities. Faculty and students at each participating institution design and carry out research projects tailored to the needs of targeted communities, many of which are in economically distressed counties. Project reports are presented at a conference held each year in Washington, D.C. The 2014 conference was held December 5–6.
Supported by ARC to help build student leadership capacity, the program teaches real-world leadership skills, taking students out of the classroom and into their communities. The research conducted helps guide communities toward local solutions that help solve significant problems in a sustainable way; and the research presentations challenge ARC to take a fresh look at issues and solutions in the Appalachian Region. Topics for 2014 included strategic planning for rural communities; incorporating technology into community development; and preserving agricultural heritage.
Sixteen institutions from 11 Appalachian states participated in the 2014 program, which is administered by the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services at East Tennessee State University.
2014 ATP conference participants and project descriptions (PDF: 365 KB)2014 conference presentations agenda (PDF: 35 KB)
Video of 2014 ATP presentations
More information on the Appalachian Teaching Project is available on the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services Web site.