WASHINGTON, October 24, 2003—On November 7, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC)—in partnership with the Federal Interagency Committee on Education and in cooperation with the Kentucky Association of School Administrators and Morehead State University—will hold the Federal Showcase of K–12 Education Resources in Morehead, Kentucky, to increase awareness of education resources available from federal agencies for K–12 education programs in Appalachia.

"The goal of this partnership is to make people aware of what is out there and how those resources can be put to work expanding educational opportunities across the Appalachian Region," said ARC Federal Co-Chair Anne B. Pope.

The showcase will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on November 7 at Morehead State University's Baird Music Hall. Its focus is free and low-cost resources available to address educational needs from kindergarten through high school graduation. School officials, library and museum administrators, and others interested in improving education in their communities are invited to attend.

"There are a lot of resources and a wealth of free educational programs in math, science, and the humanities available to schools, teachers, students, and parents every year," Pope said. "Every teacher and every student deserves access to these resources. Opportunities in education lead to opportunities in the job market. People growing up in Appalachia deserve every opportunity to build a better life, and increasing awareness of what is available is one of the ways ARC helps."

Morehead State University President Ronald Eaglin said, "We are pleased to host this event. It is an excellent example of the collaboration between higher education and elementary and secondary educators."

Representatives of 12 federal agencies, including the Departments of Education and Defense, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the National Science Foundation, will conduct sessions on topics including training and professional development, specialized curricula, and financial and in-kind resources available to teachers and schools.