Corning, NY (WENY)-- The Appalachian Regional Commission, or the ARC, visited Corning Community College, as well a met with school leaders to get a tour of a new project, that was in part funded by a grant by the ARC.

The ARC is an economic development agency of the Federal government, whose main goal is to make the Appalachian region have a more even socioeconomic footing. New York is one of 13 state involved in the Commission, and the furthest one north.

Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin says that one of the goals for the CCC project is to help train and even re-train workers in new fields.

"We are here in Corning today to actually see of the projects where business and education has come together with Corning providing the training for jobs that are right here in the area." Manchin said. "That's what we hope to do, is to train our young people and re-train people that have been displaced by other work."

The project at CCC is focused on STEAM education, with work going to renovate classrooms to fit their goals.

While the ARC had a role to play in the grant, it is not entirely funded by the Commission. With the way the Commission is set up, it starts at the grass roots level, then to the state to provide partial funding, then to the ARC.

"It is a collaboration, it is a partnership." Manchin explained. "Its never about the ARC giving money. Its about the grassroots. The proposals, the people see the challenges that are in their communities, they create the solution, get the buy-in and then we come and become that partner for them."

Manchin will remain in New York for another day, touring more recipients of grant money.