Evaluation of the Appalachian Regional Commission's Telecommunications Projects: 1994–2000

June 2003
Westat Corporation

This program evaluation examines 70 projects that were started and completed between 1995 and 2001, including project investments in various types of information technology-based training, e-learning and distance learning, e-commerce, telemedicine, network and infrastructure projects, and community access center projects. The evaluation measured the extent to which the projects enhanced access to telecommunications services and improved the use of these services to meet communities' needs. The evaluation conducted a telephone survey of the 70 projects and 16 in-depth case studies. Furthermore, the report provided a summary literature review of best practices in the telecommunications and community development field. Finally, the evaluation provides a set of summary recommendations for improving ARC's performance measurement system.

Full Report in PDF (1.5 MB)