Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative
Forecasted
Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization Initiative supports Appalachian coal communities through economic and workforce projects to create jobs and attract private investment.
Funder: Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (Letter of Intent) | February 2027 (Full application)
Funding Amounts: Nearly $518 million invested across 605 projects since 2015 (historical program total)
Summary: POWER supports economic diversification and workforce opportunities in Appalachian coal communities through projects that create jobs and attract private investment.
Key Information: The initiative targets coal communities in the Appalachian region.
Description
The Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (POWER) Initiative targets federal resources to expand economic opportunities in Appalachian coal communities. The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) invests through POWER in projects that strengthen advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, healthcare, and workforce development. The initiative aims to bolster re-employment opportunities, create jobs in existing and new industries, and attract new sources of private investment.
POWER supports coal communities as they strengthen their economies and prepare workers and students for opportunities in growing industries, including tourism and agriculture. ARC also conducts ongoing evaluations to document implementation successes, challenges, lessons learned, and early project impacts.
