The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) awarded Shawnee State University a $2.04M Project Grant under the Appalachian Area Development program (CFDA 23.002) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2028, to support Career and Technical Education initiatives in Ohio. This award supports the ARC's strategic mission to strengthen economic growth and build community capacity in the Appalachian region by advancing education and workforce development. While specific project deliverables are not detailed in the award documentation, the funding aligns with the ARC's programmatic goals to increase residents' education, knowledge, and skills to work and succeed in Appalachia, and to build the capacity of current and next-generation leaders and organizations to innovate and advance community and economic development.
Shawnee State University, a public higher education institution in Portsmouth, Ohio, has a demonstrated track record of leveraging federal funding for regional economic development and workforce initiatives. The university has previously received over $2.1M in ARC grants and substantial awards from other federal agencies including the National Science Foundation and Economic Development Administration for entrepreneurship, innovation, and educational programs. This Career and Technical Education grant represents a continuation of the university's commitment to developing workforce pathways and supporting educational achievement across the Appalachian region.