The Center for Appalachian Ohio at Marietta College Researches Appalachian Ohio Opportunity Zones.
This summer, six student interns from Marietta College’s Center for Appalachian Innovation are researching local economic conditions in Hocking, Jefferson, Perry, Scioto and Washington Counties in Ohio to help communities explore opportunities for economic growth, investment and long-term development through the federal Opportunity Zone program.
Opportunity Zones are federally designated low-income census tracts created to encourage private investment and economic development in underserved areas. Established through the Investing in Opportunity Act, the program aims to attract investment, support business development, and strengthen communities.
Ann Nicely, symposium coordinator for the Center, said this type of project represents the mission of the Center for Appalachian Innovation by connecting students, research, and community partners to address challenges facing the region.
“By bringing students into these conversations,” she explained, “we are preparing future leaders while supporting the communities of Appalachian Ohio.”
During the outreach, the students are meeting with county commissioners, mayors, economic development leaders, and community stakeholders. The project focuses on listening to local needs, gathering information, and helping communities better understand how Opportunity Zones can serve as a tool for future development. The interns will later share their findings and community perspectives with state leaders as Ohio prepares for the upcoming Opportunity Zone redesignation process.
Interns participating in the project include Evan Fee ’27, political science and history from Newark, Ohio; Zion Jackson-Wilborn ’26, communication, Columbus, Ohio; Izzy Lindsey ‘28, political science and communication, Powell, Ohio; Storm Stimmel ’27, political science, New Lexington, Ohio; Delaney Warner ‘27, political science and economics, Columbus, Ohio; and Denise Woofter ‘28, geology, applied chemistry and journalism, Valley City, Ohio. They began their experience at the Appalachian Ohio State of the Region Conference in Athens, Ohio in May, where they heard from regional leaders, policymakers, and economic development professionals, gaining insight into the challenges facing the region and opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and growth.
“This experience has been so insightful in highlighting the disparities of the region,” said intern Denise Woofter. “It has helped me better understand both the challenges Appalachian communities face and the opportunities available to support their growth.”
Focused on research, convening, and community support, the Center for Appalachian Innovation at Marietta College brings together students, faculty, policymakers, industry leaders, and organizations to address real-world challenges and support economic development, innovation, and sustainable growth to benefit the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.
For more information, partnership opportunities, or current initiatives, contact the Center for Appalachian Innovation at Marietta College at Appalachian.Innovation@marietta.edu or 740.376.4983.