
Our Mission
Celebrating 10 Years of Rural Schools Collaborative
As we celebrate Rural Schools Collaborative’s 10th anniversary in 2025, we are filled with gratitude for the journey alongside rural educators, students, and advocates. What began as a desire to support rural schools has grown into a national movement, with impact far beyond what we ever could have imagined. At the root of it all are partnerships, collaboration, and a shared unconditional belief in the possibility of rural places.
In 2021, RSC’s founding director, Gary Funk, passed the torch to new leadership. His family created a $50,000 endowment for RSC, signaling a belief that our impact would continue into an unknown future.
In 2024, our Board of Directors made a commitment to match the Funk’s endowment in advance of our 10 Year Anniversary. Through a special campaign honoring our Founding Board members, we exceeded the goal of $100,000 in endowment, affirming yet again that RSC is here to stay.
Thank you to all who have been a part of the first decade of RSC. We are thrilled to celebrate with you!

Who We Are
Rural Schools Collaborative maintains a small, dedicated team to support our Regional Hub Network programs and partnerships.
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RSC Programs
As a collaborative network, the many partners of Rural Schools Collaborative make possible our diverse programs dedicated to building strong and sustainable rural communities.
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Theory of Change
Every rural community needs well-resourced schools, talented educators, peers to support them, and a positive outlook for the future.
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The latest from our Hubs and Partners:
News and Updates

RSC: 3 Year Strategic Directions (July 2025 - June 2028) and Annual Action Plan
Based on insights from the February 2025 Strategic Planning Board Retreat, RSC has identified seven strategic directions to guide our work over the next three years.
Celebrating the Power of Place-Based Education in Oregon
Three rural Oregon teachers transforming education with Place-Based Projects that connects students to their communities

Rural Schools Collaborative Welcomes New Team Member
Megan Cremeans has joined the Rural Schools Collaborative team as Managing Director supporting the Rural Teacher Corps program.

Honoring Susan Schroth
RSC says farewell to longtime board member, hub lead Susan Schroth