Appalachian Leadership Institute
15
Days Left
to Enter

Program Description

The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a leadership training opportunity that equips Appalachian community leaders to use economic development as a tool to drive positive change.

Eligibility

Qualified applicants must live or work in one of the 423 counties of the Appalachian region, as designated by Congress. For more information on the Appalachian region, click here. Qualified applicants in the program will have a demonstrated commitment to their community and an interest in economic and community development.

Required Application Materials

  • Resume/CV
  • Biography (~200 words)
  • Letter of Support from Applicant’s Employer
    • Applicants that are CEOs/business owners can attach a document noting this information.
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation describing the applicant’s skills and experience relevant to the Appalachian Leadership Institute mission.
  • Completed Essay Questions (answers limited to ~300 words per question)
    • Why are you interested in the Appalachian Leadership Institute and what tools/knowledge do you hope to bring back to your community? What specific skills/knowledge do you hope to contribute to the Appalachian Leadership Institute program?
    • Describe a successful project that you have led in order to improve your community, organization, or region.
    • What are the greatest strengths of your community? Most pressing challenges? How does your leadership bridge the gap between your community’s strengths and challenges?
    • When you are confronted with people, ideas, or experiences different from your own, how do you interact with them?
    • What is one aspect of Appalachia you would you most like to have an impact on and why?
    • Share anything else you would like ARC and the Appalachian Leadership Institute team to know about you. This can include awards or recognition, additional examples of your engagement and leadership, or any other elements not captured in your previous responses.
  • Note: All required attachments must be in PDF or DOCX format. Other file types are not accepted.

Questions?

Please email leadership@arc.gov with any questions or concerns.

Deadline to Apply

11:59 PM EST on June 15, 2025