What does ACA mean in ASSOCIATIONS

The Appalachian College Association (ACA) is a consortium of 35 independent colleges and universities located in the Appalachian region of the United States. It provides academic programs, professional development opportunities and support services to its member colleges.

As a member of ACA, colleges benefit from having access to shared resources through cooperative agreements, networking and collaboration with other peers in the region, as well as learning best practices and exploring innovative strategies across a wide variety of topics. Additionally, ACA members have access to grant programs that provide funding for projects such as faculty research initiatives, student-faculty collaborative activities and program development.

Through its Student Success Program, ACA supports students by providing resources such as mentoring programs, financial aid assistance, career counseling services and other events that promote success in higher education. The program also serves as an advocate for students who face obstacles to completing their post-secondary education.

With its commitment to student success and innovation within higher education, ACA strives to improve educational opportunity throughout the Appalachian region. By offering quality programming and services that enhance college experiences for both faculty and students alike through grants, leadership training opportunities and more, the organization is helping to increase access to college degrees while bridging gaps between diverse communities within Appalachia.

Yes! Through various program offerings such as faculty development workshops, collaborative research initiatives and student-exchange opportunities, ACA aims to foster greater inter-institutional relationship building among its member schools. Additionally, members have access to online communities where they can network with their peers in other parts of Appalachia or even across the country.

Any accredited independent college or university located in one of 13 states in Appalachia is eligible for membership at this time. These states include Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky Maryland North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania South Carolina Tennessee Virginia West Virginia & Washington DC.

All applicants must demonstrate evidence of institutional accreditation by either regional or professional organizations recognized by US Department of Education or Higher Education Accreditation agencies in their respective states. In addition to submitting proof of accreditation status institutions must submit pertinent information about their institution including enrollment figures institutional missions & goals along with written confirmation that they agree abide by all relevant policies & procedures set forth by the association.