Going on the site visit to Fayette County was surreal for me because, being from there and coming for the weekend with my college class of people who had never been there showed me how different everyone perceives a place and helped show me new ways to look at my community. When exploring the community,…
Tag: experiential
Fayette County Site Visit
Sitting atop an archaic coal empire, Fayette County enjoyed vast economic and social prosperity during the early 1900s. Over time, coke ovens went cold while the mines exhausted their final reserves. The affluent industries that once dominated the area’s economy quickly turned Fayette County into another post-industrial fall from grace, a pattern that has become…
Fayette County Site Visit
Visiting Fayette County from October 1-3 gave me a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing communities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Throughout our trip we visited Uniontown, Connellsville, and other locations throughout the county. We also spoke with local business owners and learned more about the regions history. Before this experience, I understood that Fayette…
Fall 2026 ACRI Introduction
My name is Luke Clister, and I am an English Writing major completing the fourth year of my undergraduate degree. Pitt is actually the third school I have attended while attaining my degree! Previously, I attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania and PennWest California before finishing my two years here at Pitt. At Pitt, I’m part…
ACRI Introduction
My name is Andrew Weiss (he/him) and I am a fourth-year student studying political science with minors in public policy and theatre arts. I transferred to the University of Pittsburgh in fall 2024 after I completed a year of service with AmeriCorps NCCC during which I became interested in the political and policy issues that…
ACRI: Intro
My name is Aubrey Baumiller, and I am a second-year in the School of Business. I am double majoring in Accounting and Marketing on a Pre-Law track as I plan to go to law school post-graduation. Something unique about me is that I am a fourth-generation Pitt student. This year, for the ACRI project, we…
Listening Before Leading: ACRI, DC Presentation
Early this December (2025), my team and I found ourselves in the heart of DC, awaiting to present our findings and recommendations for Fayette County to the funders, external stakeholders, and other participants of the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI). The Annual ACRI Conference, hosted by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and East Tennessee State…
Grappling with Anxiety, Fear, and Pride: ACRI, Connellsville Presentation
The Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative presentation in Connellsville this past November (2025) served as a vessel for many firsts for me, and presumably for some of my colleagues. Until now, I’ve never had the opportunity or privilege to stand before a room full of relevant stakeholders and present to them findings and recommendations pertaining to…
What’s in Store for Social Capital?: ACRI, 1st Visit
Our first opportunity to hit the ground in Fayette County was nothing short of informative and a little eye-opening, to say the least. My peers and I were received with incredible hospitality at the Touchstone Center for Crafts, nestled inside Farmington’s woods. The location itself is a nifty, unique residency and center for the arts,…
Adventures in Fayette County
On October 3rd through October 5th, I embarked on an adventure with The University of Pittsburgh’s Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) cohort to Fayette County, Pennsylvania. This trip is part of the ongoing 10-year commitment and collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh and the Fayette County Cultural Trust. I was particularly excited about this trip,…