Author: Nancy Osborn

ARC Accepting Applications for Summer Study Programs in Entrepreneurship and STEM for Region’s Middle and High School Students

ARC Accepting Applications for Summer Study Programs in Entrepreneurship and STEM for Region’s Middle and High School Students

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Applications are due December 3rd for Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Appalachian STEM Academy.  

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 16, 2025 – Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for two summer study opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both programs, planned for summer 2026 and subject to available funding, are free intensive learning experiences specifically for the Appalachian Region’s high school and/or middle school students and teachers.  

The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA), developed in partnership with Appalachian State University and STEM West, prepares the next generation of regional entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. High school students from across Appalachia will be selected to participate in a comprehensive learning curriculum designed to sharpen business and economic development acumen and develop skills essential for entrepreneurial success. The students will have the opportunity to develop and implement business ideas, refine and prototype those ideas, and deliver a pitch presentation for an audience of entrepreneurs. AEA will be held from July 11-24, 2026, at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. 

The Appalachian STEM Academy is a hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by  Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region. High school participants will work with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and both high school and middle school students will conduct guided group science, math, computer science, and technology research projects. High school teachers will work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. Many students gain their first exposure to applied science and STEM education through this experience.  STEM Academy sessions will take place on the following dates: 

  • Middle School STEM Academy Session 1: July 11-17, 2026 
  • Middle School STEM Academy Session 2: July 18-24, 2026  
  • High School STEM Academy: July 11-24, 2026 

Applications for both opportunities are due December 3, 2025.  

“Appalachia is home to hardworking and ambitious students who will hopefully one day be leaders across the region,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “When we invest in Appalachia’s students, we invest in thoughtful growth for the region’s workforce and a strong economic future. I will be excited to see all the energy and accomplishments of the next classes of ARC’s Appalachian STEM Academy and Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy.” 

About the Appalachian Regional Commission 
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority to Become Fully Independent in 2026

SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority to Become Fully Independent in 2026

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – The SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has announced that the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) will become a fully independent entity effective January 1, 2026.

The JRA was created by SEDA-COG in June 1983, in direct response to Conrail’s abandonment of several unprofitable rail lines in central Pennsylvania. Recognizing the critical need to maintain freight rail service in the region, SEDA-COG took action by forming the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority, an official municipal authority, to purchase and operate those lines. This move preserved freight service in the region and established the JRA as a nationally recognized public-private partnership.

SEDA-COG is incredibly proud to have launched the JRA, which has grown from two lines serving freight shippers along 80 miles of track, to today’s six lines serving freight shippers along 200 miles of track. We know this growth is a testament to the strength of the foundation we built together and will continue to be a source of pride for this organization.

SEDA-COG will have no formal role in the JRA’s operations after the transition. However, existing relationships with freight shippers and local partners will remain unchanged. Any updates to contact information or administrative details will be provided directly by the JRA later this year.

The JRA joins a growing list of successful initiatives that began under SEDA-COG and later became independent, including the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and Focus Central PA.

As a fully independent entity, the JRA will continue its mission to preserve and foster rail service in Central Pennsylvania and to further economic development through retention, improvement and expansion of the infrastructure and the rail service it supports.

About the SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority

Established in 1983, the Joint Rail Authority’s mission is to preserve rail freight service across a nine-county area of central Pennsylvania, moving goods and materials that drive the Central Pennsylvania regional economy. The JRA is responsible for nearly 220 miles of railroad main line track across six railroads. Our railroads, in cooperation with our strategic partner and operator, North Shore Railroad, support over 100 customers and 12,600 jobs in the region. To learn more, visit sedacograil.org.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

SEDA-COG Helps Bridge $1.5 Million Funding Gap for Route 147 Waterline Project

SEDA-COG Helps Bridge $1.5 Million Funding Gap for Route 147 Waterline Project

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA – SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) played a key role in helping the Herndon Borough-Jackson Township Joint Municipal Authority (HBJTJMA) secure an additional $1.5 million in Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding to complete the final phase of the Route 147 Waterline Replacement project.

Earlier phases of the project included construction of a new treatment facility, new water metering systems, and a conversion from gas to liquid chlorination to eliminate underground chlorine gas storage. The final phase will replace over two miles of deteriorating cast iron water pipes, some of which are more than 90 years old.

Addressing these aging infrastructure issues has become increasingly urgent, but recent developments complicated the path forward. In June, bids for the final phase came in $1.5 million over the available budget. Additionally, previously secured funds needed to be spent by the end of this year. Without the needed funding, only part of the project could proceed, putting the water system at continued risk.

Leveraging its expertise in community development and grant acquisition, SEDA-COG worked quickly with the Authority and other partners to identify and secure the additional funding needed to keep the project on track.

“Thanks to SEDA-COG’s decisive leadership, our project is back on track and poised to deliver lasting benefits to our community,” said Judi Deppen of the Herndon Borough–Jackson Township Joint Municipal Authority.

Deppen continued, “we couldn’t have done this without the expertise and support of SEDA-COG and project coordinator Tonia Troup, who sought solutions when none seemed available. As a small town without the resources to manage this on our own, we’re incredibly grateful. I believe other small communities like ours should know about the tremendous resources SEDA-COG offers.”

“We also couldn’t have done this without the backing of the Northumberland County Commissioners and Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver,” said Tonia Troup, SEDA-COG project coordinator. “And, of course, the quick action at the state level from DCED.”

Currently, residents experience discolored water, odor issues, and low pressure, while the current lack of reliable hydrant service forces fire crews to depend on tanker trucks from 20 minutes away. This delay can hinder emergency response efforts and increase the risk of harm during fire events.

Upon completion of the project, Herndon residents will enjoy clean, safe drinking water leading to better health, sanitation, and overall quality of life. Firefighters will have the necessary water pressure to effectively combat fires, significantly boosting public safety. Additionally, the new water lines will be more resilient to wear and tear caused by heavy-truck traffic along Route 147, ensuring the community continues to have reliable access to water.

SEDA-COG Hosting Bringing the World to PA Event

SEDA-COG Hosting Bringing the World to PA Event

Posted on by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA — Lewisburg, PA –SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) and BusinessPA, which is part of Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), are Bringing the World to Central PA on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, in Bellefonte, PA.

The yearly event provides the opportunity for businesses to meet one-on-one with Pennsylvania’s authorized trade representatives and discuss how their company can enter or grow in over 40 markets worldwide.

This event is free of charge. Preregistration is required to attend. The deadline to sign up is Sept. 8, 2025.

The link to register is https://bit.ly/BTW2CPA. If you have any questions, please email SEDA-COG’s Director of Export of Assistance Noelle Long at nlong@seda-cog.org or call 570-524-4491.

BusinessPA, in partnership with its Regional Export Network (REN) partners, are coordinating multiple events around the state for Pennsylvania companies interested in strengthening and elevating their export strategies and performance.

“Export development services provided by the state of Pennsylvania are a valuable resource to small to mid-size companies such as Xact Metal,” said SEDA-COG client and VP of Global Sales Dave Jankowski. “We would not have grown globally without its support.”

Event Details
Date: Sept. 17, 2025
Time: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Location: Brass 16823, 2042 Axemann Road, Bellefonte, PA 16823
Registration Deadline: Sept. 8, 2025
Link: https://bit.ly/BTW2CPA

Photo available for use courtesy of SEDA-COG.

Photo Description: Trade representative from the Netherlands discusses exporting strategies with local business owner at 2024 Bringing the World to Central PA event.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.