Although I was unable to return to the Canteen in Connellsville for our November 14th presentation, the sustainability team –Iris, Owen and Eliziabeth – thoroughly debriefed me on the experience. Their recap helped me clearly understand the flow of the session and gave our entire team a stronger sense of what to expect as we finalize and prepare for our presentation in Washington, D.C. This Connellsville event was in fact the first time all four project groups – Sustainability, Business, Political Science and Urban Studies, presented together as a cohesive unit. While each group has been pursuing its own initiative based on our different stakeholders and their distinct needs, this presentation requires us to highlight the ways our work connects and ultimately contributes to a shared and overarching purpose: supporting the long-term development of the Fayette County region.
From what my teammates described, one of the most notable aspects of the presentation was the heightened sense of alignment across all groups. By combining our perspectives, we were able to communicate a more holistic narrative: one that demonstrated how each group’s individual project fits into a broader framework of regional resilience and economic growth. This cohesion left the group feeling much more prepared for Washington, D.C where we will need to clearly articulate not only our separate deliverables but also the unified impact as a whole.
An additional significant takeaway from the presentation was the nature of the Question and Answer session. Rather than following a traditional format, it evolved into an open and shared discussion among the audience members. My teammates described how community participants did much more than just asking questions, they contributed personal experiences, practical suggestions and enriching reflections. The shift from a formal Q&A session to a collaborative dialogue created an interesting and dynamic environment where numerous ideas were exchanged freely and stakeholders felt comfortable voicing both their concerns and support.
Overall, the November 14th presentation reaffirmed one of our project’s central takeaways: meaningful progress happens when the community feels directly involved in shaping solutions. The Connellsville discussion at the Canteen demonstrated that stakeholders are more than just passive recipients of information. Rather, they are essential partners whose insights have helped us and will continue to help us strengthen and refine our work. Even though I was not physically present, the debrief highlighted key takeaways that will guide our group in the final stretch of the semester and ensure our project is presented in a collective and cohesive manner in Washington, D.C
The sustainability cohort ultimately decided on two final deliverables: a grant application guide and digital stakeholder directory (or a digital phonebook). Our grant application guide plans to include various sections: an introduction, grant overview, application components, implementation and use of funds, supporting resources, and a conclusion. Our stakeholder directory will be a compilation of key stakeholders and their profiles, including: their organization/name, title/role, contact information, relevance to initiative and opportunities for collaboration.
This grant application guide is designed to provide guidance and support on navigating this complex and multi-step process. In addition to outlining the full application procedure, the guide will provide several completed components required for submission, including a detailed project description, budget narrative, sustainability plan, demonstration of financial need, staffing plan and other required supplemental materials. The guide will also provide directions for how grant funding can be directed toward implementing a soft skills curriculum through the online training platform Tooling U-SME; specifically, covering the cost of course access for students. The accompanying digital stakeholder directory serves as a complementary resource, offering organized contact information for key partners who can assist with both the application process and future implications of this initiative.
Additionally, after a recent meeting with Kathi and Muriel, we have added a third deliverable to our project. Earlier in the semester, our class conducted a survey assessing what people prioritize when choosing where to live after graduation. We found that the top two priorities consistently centered around job availability. Upon their request, we are now developing a similar survey designed specifically to gauge what factors matter most when individuals—particularly high school students—decide where to live. The goal is for Kathi and Muriel to administer this survey to local high school students in order to better understand what might encourage young people to remain in, return to, or relocate to Fayette County. This data will help identify key motivators, potential barriers, and opportunities for improving regional retention and long-term workforce development.
These deliverables are valuable because they will save our stakeholders significant time and effort by organizing complex requirements into a clear and actionable format. Providing completed components and ready-to-use information allows them to pursue this grant opportunity without being pulled away from their primary roles and responsibilities as Executive Director of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce and Coordinator of the Fayette Business Education Partnership. The stakeholder directory further strengthens their ability to coordinate, communicate, and build partnerships necessary for a strong application and successful implementation.
We ultimately hope that as a result of our deliverables, Kathi and Muriel will be prepared and feel confident to apply for the grant using the materials we plan to provide. Furthermore, If the grant is awarded, we hope the resources in the guide will support the initial implementation of a soft skills curriculum through Tooling U-SME. More broadly, we expect these deliverables to streamline the process, strengthen collaboration among partners, and help lay out the groundwork for long-term workforce development efforts in Fayette County.
If I had the ability to instantly implement one recommendation, I would prioritize Kathi and Muriel moving forward with the grant application guide. Given their roles as Executive Director of the Fayette Chamber of Commerce and Coordinator of the Fayette Businesses Education partnership, their time and responsibilities are quite extensive. Nevertheless, putting in the time commitment to pursue this grant has the potential to create momentum for the project.
Submitting the application, even without knowing the outcome, would be incredibly valuable. If our stakeholders are awarded the grant, the funding could be used towards the soft-skill curriculum initiative. Receiving the grant money would give this initiative the financial foundation necessary to begin implementing our suggested solutions. Even if the application is not successful, applying would still be significantly beneficial. Completing the application would deepen Kathi and Muriel’s familiarity with grant frameworks, help identify areas for growth and prepare them to pursue additional grants in the future which would ultimately expand potential funding sources. An initial application, regardless of the outcome, helps to create a stronger foundation for future submissions by refining the project’s clarity, improving cohesion and identifying gaps in supporting materials.
Therefore, if I could ensure one recommendation, it would be pursuing the grant as it gives the project a clear direction, energizes stakeholder collaboration and supports the sustainability of this initiative beyond our group’s involvement. This step would not only honor the work completed by our team but also empower the community to take actionable steps in strengthening Fayette County’s future workforce.
Because the university is only halfway through the ten-year partnership with the ARC, there is significant potential for continuing and expanding this work. One of the most challenging parts of this project was the very beginning, when we were first tasked with defining the scope of our work. We hope that future groups will use the materials we created as a strong foundation to build from. An immediate next step we recommend for next semester’s ACRI group would be to use the materials we have developed – particularly the grant application guide – to assist stakeholders throughout the application process and continue strengthening this initiative.
In terms of long-term expansion, the upcoming closure of the Penn State Fayette campus, previously discussed, presents an interesting opportunity to repurpose the space to support regional workforce development. With the right partnerships, many of which are outlined in our stakeholder directory, the campus could help build and support a more coordinated system of technical skill training across Fayette County. Specifically, the campus could be repurposed into a multi-use education and training center offering technical certifications, soft skill development, and workforce readiness training. Investing in a shared learning environment would not only strengthen existing pathways but also create new opportunities for students and local manufacturers.
For the community, we recommend continuing to stay engaged and collaborative as this initiative progresses. Our team received the most effective direction and guidance when we heard directly from Fayette County community members about their needs, concerns and priorities. Sustaining collaborative efforts will be essential for ensuring that future efforts remain grounded and continue to progress. Community involvement will not only shape the direction of future deliverables but also help foster a long-term commitment to this initiative.
Looking ahead, our group expects a demanding yet exciting final stretch of the semester. Our first priority is preparing for and delivering our final presentation in Washington D.C. While the Connellsville presentation gave us a strong foundation, we still have important adjustments to make. Our second focus is completing our three final deliverables. Although each has been started in some way, significant work remains. Overall, the upcoming weeks are expected to be quite busy as we bring this project to its conclusion.