APPALACHIA, WEST VIRGINIA

Dates: Saturday, February 27 – Saturday, March 6, 2010

Cost: $425.00

Immersion Site:
Appalachia is a term used to describe a cultural region in the eastern United States that stretches from southern New York to northern Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia. It is home to beautiful landscapes and forests, the world famous Appalachian Trail, and approximately 24 million people.

Even though Appalachia is rich in natural resources, the region has long struggled with the poverty of its people. In the early 20th century, large-scale logging and coal mining firms brought wage-paying jobs and modern amenities to Appalachia, but the region failed realize any long-term benefits from these industries. Through the years, various governmental efforts were made to improve the economic situation of the inhabitants and to provide better health care and education. Still, in 1990, Appalachia lagged behind the rest of the country in most economic indicators.

Immersion Partner:
The Appalachian Institute of Wheeling Jesuit University has as its mission to serve as a center of research and analysis, education and action attuned always to the struggles and dreams of the Appalachian people. In focusing on contemporary Appalachian challenges and opportunities, it seeks to create safer, healthier, and stronger communities in the central Appalachian region and beyond.

The Appalachian Institute will host our group for the week and lead us in an experience which will combine service to the people of Appalachia and education about the issues they face. The themes that will be explored are:

• Education in Appalachia
• Economic Development
• Rural Public Health
• The Environment

Ignatian Family Teach-In:
On the ending weekend of the immersion experience, our group will have the opportunity to attend the Ignatian Family Teach-In which will be held at Wheeling Jesuit Univeristy this year. The theme of the conference is Environmental Sustainability which will correlate to many of the experiences offered on the immersion experience.