Washington, DC (WYMT) – The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $14.5 million to five collaborative projects across multiple states, officials announced Tuesday.

More than $11 million in grants will be awarded to projects in Kentucky and West Virginia.

The objective of the financing is to drive large-scale economic transformation.

A significant portion of the grants will be awarded to projects in eastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia.

Mountain State Education Services Cooperative receives $7,030,989 to launch an innovative workforce simulation model at colleges in Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Morehead State University is receiving $3,980,996 to build an aerospace workforce in Kentucky and West Virginia.

“When we talk about workforce development, we’re really talking about securing a strong economic future for our Appalachian people,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “By investing in job training and capacity building, this latest round of ARISE grants will not only help our Appalachian neighbors find jobs and grow their careers, but also do so while continuing to live in the places that ‘they love.

You can find out more about the funding granted here.

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