Exploring the Suitability of Crowdfunding for Rural Appalachian Communities
This years 2014 ATP class assisted local residents in achieving the goal of promoting the skills of 3D printing for advanced manufacturing and services in rural areas, while testing the applicability of an emerging trend, crowdfunding, for smaller Appalachian communities like Ducktown, Tennessee, population 427, located in the Copper Basin in Southeast Tennessee. Students helped the Cooper Basin Rural Community Association develop and implement a civic crowdfunding program to purchase a 3D printer and supplies for the Copper Basin Learning Center. Students also helped to promote the crowdfunding campaign through social media and traditional media outlets.
October 16, 2014 Tennessee Today News Article
Students Raise Fund for 3D Printer for Appalachian Community
Contact Information:
Tim Ezzell, Ph.D.
Research Scientist
Department of Political Science
University of Tennessee
UT Conference Center, Suite 311
Knoxville, TN 37996-4134
Telephone: (865) 974-9036
E-Mail: tezzell@utk.edu
Previous Conference Participation: 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009