2015 Appalachian Teaching Project PresentationsDecember 2015 |
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 2015 conference was held December 4–5.
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 2015 included strategic planning for rural communities; leveraging natural assets for community benefit; and preserving agricultural heritage.
Fifteen institutions from 10 Appalachian states participated in the 2015 program, which was administered by the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services at East Tennessee State University.
2015 ATP participants and project descriptions (PDF: 154 KB)2015 ATP conference presentations agenda (PDF: 150 KB)
Video of 2015 ATP conference presentations
More information on the Appalachian Teaching Project is available on the Center for Appalachian Studies and Services Web site.