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Appalachian Regional Commission officials have funded what may turn out to be a brilliant idea. An Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies grant of nearly $417,000 has been awarded to Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative, for an effort that "seeks to empower and prepare middle-school students in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania to solve real-world problems in their communities through simulation and engagement."
Consider the possibilities, if such an effort is extended over a total of four years into six middle schools. We're taking two steps forward and one step back while we depend on the the economic development ideas of many who might consider themselves the old guard. Give the kids a shot at it.
"As a lifelong educator, I know that the first step in building strong communities is empowering young people through innovative learning opportunities," said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. "Through this grant, middle schools in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania will be better equipped to give young Appalachians skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and workplace readiness that they will be able to carry with them into adulthood. This focus on collaborative, hands-on learning only furthers my confidence in the bright future of the next generation of Appalachians and the ways they will positively impact our entire region."
Mountain State Educational Services Cooperative will collaborate with multiple partners to develop the project, including the departments of education in West Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania; Marshall University and the EdVenture Group.
The trick, as we invest in supporting these young people, is not to hold them back; and not to force them to fit their goals and ideas into a box that was forged more than 100 years ago.
If we let them, there's no limit to where they can take us.