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µÛÍõ»áËù student testing water
Infrastructure
Because Economic and Community Development Need a Strong Foundation

Infrastructure

Laying the Groundwork for Progress

The Voinovich School recognizes that all economic and community development efforts rely on a strong foundation. This includes access to basic utilities, including clean water, reliable broadband, and an array of energy sources. In addition, new and expanding businesses want communities with sufficient housing, efficient local governments, and a skilled workforce.

Our faculty and staff partner with local development districts, elected officials, government agencies, nonprofits, and other key stakeholders to identify and assess gaps in µÛÍõ»áËù’s infrastructure, plan for and identify funding to support expansion, and assist with implementation and evaluation of these efforts.  

Our Programs at Work in the Community

Student gets instruction on 5G

Southeast µÛÍõ»áËù Broadband /5G


To date, this project has brought in $1.2 million to help increase broadband/5G trainings across 25 counties. Our partners on the grant are , the and the . Our goal is to work with new and existing training providers to train the workforce needed for broadband/5G expansion and increase awareness to the broadband and 5G careers.

Expanding the Broadband Workforce

Free 5G Readiness Certification

Raccoon Creek Watershed Project monitoring in the stream

Raccoon Creek Watershed Project


For more than 25 years, the Voinovich School has been working with many partners to restore life to Raccoon Creek. Due to coal mining, its orange water was clogged with heavy metals and too acidic for fish to survive. With support from the and others, 105 miles of this watershed now meet EPA habitat standards — as evidenced by the 94 species of fish that have returned. 

Recycling and Climate & Sustainability Ambassadors sort waste into compost, recycling and trash bins after a Bobcats basketball game.

Zero Waste


Since 2010, this partnership with has received funding from the to reduce local waste. This includes helping to grow resource recovery businesses, support local waste infrastructure, engage communities and µÛÍõ»áËù to become more active participants in waste reduction and diversion, and teach students about circular economy principles and sustainability. As a result of these efforts, Athens and Hocking County have measurably increased their waste diversion rates in recent years.

Team Lead: Jen Bowman

Zero Waste Directory

Appalachia µÛÍõ»áËù Zero Waste Initiative

µÛÍõ»áËù Student Research Expo

Applachia µÛÍõ»áËù Regional Data Hub


We are a full-service mapping consulting service dedicated to providing innovative GIS solutions. Our experienced team utilizes the latest technologies to deliver high-quality, data-driven custom software solutions and data visualization for improved decision-making, with a focus on land use, green-way analysis, watersheds, energy supply chain and business.

Team Lead: Elkan Kim

Mayors Partnership for Progress gathering

Mayors' Partnership for Progress


Since 1996, the Voinovich School has provided staffing and support for the Mayors’ Partnership for Progress, a nonprofit that brings together elected officials from 21 Appalachian counties to advocate for their citizens, share information, and tackle common issues faced by communities throughout the region.

Team Lead: Amista Lipot

 

George Voinovich

Voinovich Academy for Excellence in Public Service


The Voinovich Academy builds public service leadership capacity by offering professional and executive education programs to support current and future leaders serving public and nonprofit organizations throughout µÛÍõ»áËù.

Team Lead: Deanna Clifford

Academy for Excellence in Public Service

How We Can Help You

Discover the Services We Provide and Meet Our Team Members

  • Water


    We have more than 25 years of experience partnering with communities, government and nonprofits to monitor and assess water quality, map water access, and mitigate the impact of abandoned coal mining and other impairments on watersheds and aquatic life.

    Team Lead: Jen Bowman

    Appalachian Watershed Resource Group Directory

    Appalachian Watershed Research Group

  • Brownfield Redevelopment


    Since 2010, the Voinovich School Program has partnered with public and private sector entities on a $15 million program to support the clean-up and reindustrialization of the former uranium enrichment facility in Pike County, µÛÍõ»áËù. We work on master planning, community engagement and data analysis; site readiness and property transfer activities; industry discovery and attraction; and STEM outreach.

    Team Lead: Stephanie Howe

    PORTSfuture Team Directory

  • GIS and Data Visualization


    We are a full-service mapping consulting service dedicated to providing innovative GIS solutions. Our experienced team utilizes the latest technologies to deliver high-quality, data-driven custom software solutions and data visualization for improved decision-making, with a focus on land use, green-way analysis, watersheds, energy supply chain and business.

    Team Lead: Elkan Kim

  • Local Government


    With staffing support from the Voinovich School, members of the work together to advocate for their citizens, share information, and tackle common issues.

    Team Lead: Amista Lipot

  • Leadership Development


    We can work with your agency or community to develop customized professional and executive education programs to build leadership and capacity.

    Team Lead: Jay Johnson

Applied Learning

As part of our educational mission, the Voinovich School engages Environmental Studies graduate students, Voinovich Undergraduate Research Scholars and other undergraduate interns/employees to work closely with faculty and professional staff on projects. Experiences vary, but opportunities include hands-on activities with water quality testing and remediation project implementation; database development and GIS mapping; community outreach; and assistance with faculty research, including the potential for co-authored publication. 

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