Session I: Orientation
This session launches the Appalachian Leadership Institute with introductory briefings from economic development experts, program facilitators, and other key partners. It will also include discussions on leadership skill development and team building opportunities as a foundation for the rest of the program.
Session II: Identifying Economic Opportunities
This session will focus on two key strategies for economic development: entrepreneurship and business development. Agenda will focus best practices for developing, deploying, and determining appropriate community opportunities for these strategies.
Session III: Cultivating a Ready Workforce
This session will focus on strategies to develop a competitive, skilled workforce for jobs in demand by investing in education, healthcare, and public-private partnerships.
Session IV: Building Critical Infrastructure
This session will focus on how critical infrastructure investments in broadband, water/waste water systems and transportation can fuel long-term economic growth.
Session V: Capitalizing on Natural and Cultural Assets
This session will focus on how communities can leverage natural and cultural assets – from downtown revitalization to recreational tourism – for lasting economic development.
Session VI: Developing Community Capacity
This session will focus on strategies for strengthening the skills, expertise and potential of current and future leaders with a commitment to innovative and long-lasting economic development.
Session VII: Graduation
The capstone gathering of the Appalachian Leadership Institute will celebrate what the Fellows have learned, experienced, and shared during the past ten months as they advance economic development in their communities.
2019-2020 Schedule
Session I: Orientation, Morehead, Kentucky, October 21-24, 2019
Session II: Identifying Economic Opportunities, Dalton, Georgia, December 2-5, 2019
Session III: Cultivating a Ready Workforce, Starkville, Mississippi, February 11-14, 2020
Session IV: Building Critical Infrastructure, Virtual Session, April 1-2, 2020
Session V: Developing Community Capacity, Jamestown, New York, June 16-19, 2020
Session VI: Federal and ARC Partners, Washington, DC, July 13-16, 2020
Session VII: Capitalizing on Natural and Cultural Assets, Boone, North Carolina, TBD
*Note: This schedule represents changes made to the program in light of the impacts of COVID-19.