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.
Designed for people who live and/or work in Appalachia and are passionate about helping their communities thrive, the extensive leadership and economic development curriculum is developed by ARC in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact, LLC.
Applications for the Class of 2025-2026 of the Appalachian Leadership Institute are now open. Learn more about the application process by visiting the How to Apply page. Applicants should expect to be notified of their selection status in Fall 2025.
Investing in the Appalachian Leaders
The Future of Appalachia
The current class of 40 fellows represent a spectrum of sectors, experiences and communities from across Appalachia’s 13 states. Each fellow brings a unique perspective on Appalachia’s economic developmental challenges and opportunities.
2025-2026 Schedule
The all-inclusive, eight-month program runs from October-June and includes skill building seminars and best practice reviews. The program includes field visits during six separate sessions across the Appalachian Region, concluding with a graduation ceremony at the final sesssion.
Meet Our Partners
The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a comprehensive regional leadership training program developed by ARC in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact, LLC.
Application Information
Applications for the Class of 2025-2026 of the Appalachian Leadership Institute are now open.
Investing in the Appalachian Leaders
The Future of Appalachia
The current class of 40 fellows represent a spectrum of sectors, experiences and communities from across Appalachia’s 13 states. Each fellow brings a unique perspective on Appalachia’s economic developmental challenges and opportunities.
2025-2026 Schedule
The all-inclusive, eight-month program runs from October-June and includes skill building seminars and best practice reviews. The program includes field visits during six separate sessions across the Appalachian Region, concluding with a graduation ceremony at the final sesssion.
Meet Our Partners
The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a comprehensive regional leadership training program developed by ARC in partnership with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs; Tuskegee University; and Collective Impact, LLC.
Application Information
Applications for the Class of 2025-2026 of the Appalachian Leadership Institute are now open.
About the Program
The Appalachian Leadership Institute is an all-inclusive program — there is not cost to participants. From October to June, fellows meet for six skill-building seminars and conduct field visits across Appalachia and concludes with a graduation ceremony at the final session.
The Appalachian Leadership Institute is a close-knit program limited to 40 fellows each year, with participants from each of the 13 states in Appalachia. Fellows may be from the public, private or nonprofit sectors.
Following completion of the program, fellows will be better equipped to take positive action toward collaborative solutions to Appalachia’s greatest challenges. Fellows will learn to:
- Recognize and utilize unique assets in their communities to build economic development plans.
- Identify and implement strategies to strengthen their communities through improved infrastructure, business development, workforce development, tourism and community capacity building.
- Collaborate with a network of leaders across Appalachia on strategies to expand the region’s future growth.
Appalachian Leadership Institute fellows receive:
- No-cost participation, including travel and lodging.
- Appalachian Leadership Institute Certificate from ARC and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
- Access to a world class network of peers and other experts across Appalachia.
Contact Us
Contact us by phone at (202) 884-7700 or via email at leadership@arc.gov.