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.
In many rural communities, students often think their only pathway to success is to leave their community upon completing their education. Identify educational and economic opportunities in the community. If students are trained and prepared for occupations that exist or can be improved upon in their communities, they will be more likely to remain instead of leaving for jobs elsewhere. In this process, students learn how to make practical use of data collection and analysis, while building knowledge of the community. The community analysis described earlier can help students identify and establish businesses that actually create jobs and meet community needs.