Jennifer Francis Alkire and her father, Michael Francis, founded the Appalachian Education Initiative in 2001 to enable West Virginia public school students to benefit from consistent and meaningful exposure to quality arts programs. Both Jennifer and Michael were fortunate enough to be enriched by the arts as young people, and they credit their early arts experiences for many personal and professional successes. They knew, however, that many young West Virginians are not so fortunate. Jennifer and Michael decided to make a difference in their home state. They were inspired to do this by the work of Elizabeth “Libby” Francis, Michael’s mother and Jennifer’s grandmother. Mrs. Francis was a music and theater teacher at Magnolia High School in Wetzel County, West Virginia, for 30 years. She taught her students with dedication and energy and showed many the power of the arts. Jennifer and Michael began AEI as a nonprofit organization that will carry on Elizabeth Francis’ legacy of enriching the lives of young West Virginians through the arts. Appalachian Education Initiative gratefully acknowledges the generous gift Mr. Francis provided in December 2001 to support the formation of the organization.

Today, our supporters include:

Corporations and Foundations:

Anonymous

Anonymous (for the Unbroken Circle Project)

Arts Fund of the Greater Morgantown Community Trust

BB&T West Virginia Foundation

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (for the Student Artist of the Month Program)

Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation

Huntington Museum of Art

The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

United Mine Workers of America (for the Unbroken Circle Project)

VSA - The International Organization on Arts and Disability (under an award from the U.S. Department of Education)

West Virginia Development Office Community Participation Program

Individuals :

Donated Goods and In-kind Services: