Appalachian Center

Appalachian Center. The Appalachian Center is an organization that focuses on the Appalachian Region, which includes parts of Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Georgia. The center's work is closely tied to the University of Kentucky, Berea College, and other institutions in the region, such as Eastern Kentucky University and Morehead State University. The Appalachian Center's efforts are also informed by the work of organizations like the Appalachian Regional Commission, Appalachian Voices, and the Sierra Club.

● History

The Appalachian Center has its roots in the War on Poverty, a series of programs and policies initiated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s, which included the creation of the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. The center's history is also closely tied to the work of Harry Caudill, a Kentucky lawyer and author who wrote about the region's poverty and environmental issues in his book Night Comes to the Cumberlands. The Appalachian Center has also been influenced by the work of other writers and activists, such as Helen Matthews Lewis, Steve Fisher, and Wendell Berry, who have written about the region's history, culture, and environmental issues.

● Mission_and_Objectives

The Appalachian Center's mission is to promote the sustainable development of the Appalachian Region through research, education, and community engagement. The center's objectives include improving the region's economic development, protecting its natural resources, and preserving its cultural heritage. The center works closely with organizations like the Appalachian Regional Commission, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Park Service to achieve its objectives. The center is also informed by the work of Appalachian State University, East Tennessee State University, and other institutions in the region.

● Programs_and_Services

The Appalachian Center offers a range of programs and services, including research grants, fellowships, and internships for students and scholars. The center also provides technical assistance and training for community organizations and local governments. The center's programs and services are designed to support the region's economic development, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. The center works closely with organizations like the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the National Endowment for the Arts to deliver its programs and services.

● Location_and_Facilities

The Appalachian Center is located in Lexington, Kentucky, and has facilities at the University of Kentucky and other locations in the region. The center's facilities include research laboratories, classrooms, and office space for staff and students. The center is also close to other institutions in the region, such as Transylvania University, Centre College, and Asbury University. The center's location allows it to work closely with organizations like the Kentucky Department of Education, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

● Community_Engagement

The Appalachian Center is committed to community engagement and works closely with community organizations, local governments, and tribal governments in the region. The center's community engagement efforts include public outreach and education, community-based research, and technical assistance. The center works with organizations like the Appalachian Voices, Kentucky Environmental Foundation, and the Tennessee Conservation Voters to engage with communities in the region. The center is also informed by the work of community leaders like Wendell Berry, Bell Hooks, and Silas House.

● Research_and_Initiatives

The Appalachian Center conducts research on a range of topics related to the Appalachian Region, including economic development, environmental protection, and cultural preservation. The center's research initiatives include studies on coal mining, fracking, and renewable energy, as well as projects on agriculture, forestry, and tourism. The center works closely with organizations like the National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, and the Environmental Defense Fund to conduct its research. The center's research is also informed by the work of scholars like Ron Eller, Kathryn Newfont, and Shaunna Scott. Category:Appalachian Region