Rural communities and schools occupy an important position in the effort to link school and work and expand economic opportunities for all students. Rural populations are found in every state throughout the country, and make up over forty percent of our nation s workforce.
Rural communities face significant economic and demographic challenges.
Shifting employment patterns in the global economy have caused significant levels of poverty in rural areas, and many rural schools have a limited capacity to adapt to the changing economy. The economies of rural communities are often focused on one industry, such as manufacturing or farming, and individuals not interested in those careers may have limited career paths and opportunities for work-based learning experiences. As a result, many students leave their communities upon completing high school or college to move to communities with more job opportunities. Students may have a difficult time researching or obtaining information for class or career development activities due to limited library resources. Partnerships Start early.