Griffith Announces $491,548 ARC Grant to Mountain Empire Community College

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the Mountain Empire Community College, based in Big Stone Gap, Virginia, a $491,548 grant. The funding supports a workforce development initiative known as Project Southwest Virginia Opioid Abuse Recovery (SOAR). U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement: “Project SOAR is committed to helping those impacted by substance use disorder. “This ARC grant for nearly $500,000 helps Mountain Empire Community College administer Project SOAR, support those impacted by substance use disorder and train prospective candidates for careers in a skilled trade.” BACKGROUND Participants will receive hands-on training in fields such as carpentry, welding, electrical and plumbing. A total of 180 participants impacted by substance use disorder will be prepared for careers in skilled trades and other in-demand occupations across Southwest Virginia, namely Dickenson, Lee, Scott and Wise counties. Funding for this project is provided through ARC’s Investments Supporting Partnerships in Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE) Initiative. ###