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.
Learn More
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.
Learn More
Theory of Change
Every rural community needs well-resourced schools, talented educators, peers to support them, and a positive outlook for the future.
Learn MoreRegional Hub Network
Rural Schools Collaborative's Regional Hub Network brings together local rural-serving organizations to work together on behalf of rural communities. The Regional Hub Network provides a flexible and cost-effective infrastructure that connects authentic regional efforts to the national dialogue. Regional Hubs share resources, stories, and learnings to strengthen rural education across the country.
The latest from our Hubs and Partners:
News and Updates
RSC Welcomes Andy Mink to Board of Directors
Rural Schools Collaborative is delighted to announce that Andy Mink, founding director of the Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative, has joined the Board of Directors
Rural Teacher Corps Spotlight: Proud Rural Teacher Initiative at University of Wisconsin-Platteville Supports All Students as Future Rural Teachers
UW-Platteville’s innovative model strengthens the rural teacher pipeline through partnerships, cultural learning, and hands-on community engagement
A New Path for Teacher Preparation at Clemson University
Undergraduates help create Clemson University’s innovative Place-Based Education course bundle
