MARIETTA – Six Marietta College student interns are studying economic conditions in five Ohio counties this summer as part of an effort to help communities consider opportunities for growth, investment and long-term development through the federal Opportunity Zone program.

The interns, working through Marietta College’s Center for Appalachian Innovation, are researching conditions in Hocking, Jefferson, Perry, Scioto and Washington counties. Opportunity Zones are federally designated low-income census tracts created to encourage private investment and economic development in underserved areas.

The program, established through the Investing in Opportunity Act, is intended to attract investment, support business development and strengthen communities.

Ann Nicely, symposium coordinator for the Center for Appalachian Innovation, said in a release that the project reflects the center’s mission by connecting students, research and community partners to address regional challenges.

“By bringing students into these conversations, we are preparing future leaders while supporting the communities of Appalachian Ohio,” Nicely said in the release.

As part of the project, students are meeting with county commissioners, mayors, economic development leaders and community stakeholders. The work focuses on listening to local needs, gathering information and helping communities understand how Opportunity Zones could be used as a tool for future development.

The interns are expected to share their findings and community perspectives with state leaders as Ohio prepares for the upcoming Opportunity Zone redesignation process.

The participating interns are Evan Fee, a political science and history major from Newark, Ohio; Zion Jackson-Wilborn, a communication major from Columbus; Izzy Lindsey, a political science and communication major from Powell; Storm Stimmel, a political science and economics major from New Lexington; Delaney Warner, a political science and economics major from Columbus; and Denise Woofter, a geology, applied chemistry and journalism major from Valley City.

The students began the internship experience in May at the Appalachian Ohio State of the Region Conference in Athens, where they heard from regional leaders, policymakers and economic development professionals. The conference focused on challenges facing the region, as well as opportunities for innovation, collaboration and growth.

“This experience has been so insightful in highlighting the disparities of the region,” Woofter said in the release. “It has helped me better understand both the challenges Appalachian communities face and the opportunities available to support their growth.”

The Center for Appalachian Innovation focuses on research, convening and community support. The center brings together students, faculty, policymakers, industry leaders and organizations to address challenges and support economic development, innovation and sustainable growth in the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.