Our Stories

The Rural Schools Collaborative is committed to changing the rural narrative.

Group photo of Illinois Rural Teacher Corps participants and faculty at Western Illinois University's field campus.

The Seymour Center for Rural Education’s Teacher Corps Retreat

May 21, 2025

Three Rural Teacher Corps in western Illinois come together to build community and connection for the future.

Regional Hubs, Power of Partnerships, Illinois, Rural Teacher Corps

Students cleaning up gardening area.

Eric Nichols - Crane, OR

May 21, 2025

In a widespread community in Harney County, Oregon, the community is the school.

Place-Based Education, Teacher Profile, Rural Resilience

Ms. Jennifer Pratt, M.Ed. - Houston, MS

May 13, 2025

Houston Alternative School educator and 2024 National Signature Project Award recipient brings place-based learning to life through garden and outdoor classroom initiatives.

Place-Based Education, Teacher Profile, Mississippi, Grants in Place

Strong Relationships, Bright Futures: Humansville (MO) a Natural Fit for GRAD Partnership Rural Cohort

April 23, 2025

The RSC team recently visited Humansville (MO) School District to learn about how they are fostering student success.

Regional Hubs, Missouri, GRAD Partnership

Full Steam Ahead: Fair Play JAG Program Embraces GRAD Partnership

April 23, 2025

Fair Play School District (MO), one of ten Missouri schools to join the GRAD Partnership in 2024, has found success building student agency through the school’s JAG Program

Regional Hubs, Power of Partnerships, Missouri, GRAD Partnership

Cassville (MO) Administration, the Rural Schools Collaborative team, Missouri State University facility, and Community Foundation of the Ozarks convened at Cassville to learn about their first year participating in the GRAD Partnership.

Building Belonging: How a Rural Missouri Middle School Is Using Beta Club to Boost Connection, Confidence, and Community

April 23, 2025

Cassville (MO) Schools are focusing on their National Beta club to boost attendance and connection.

Regional Hubs, Power of Partnerships, Missouri, GRAD Partnership

Group of students and teacher sitting on rocks in front of water.

Incubating Aspirations Across Maine

April 22, 2025

The Rural Youth Institute is supporting students throughout rural Maine by supporting youth-serving organizations.

Regional Hubs, Power of Partnerships, New England, Rural Resilience

GRAD Partnership Rural Spotlight: Globe High School, AZ

April 17, 2025

At Globe High School in Arizona, a new GRAD Partnership school, history is still alive and being created every day.

Regional Hubs, GRAD Partnership, Arizona

2024-25 Grants in Place Updates from the Field

April 16, 2025

Celebrating Innovation, Community, and Hands-On Learning: How Rural Educators Are Transforming Classrooms Across the Country Through Place-Based Education

Regional Hubs, Iowa, Kansas, New England, Northern California, Northern Rockies, Pacific Northwest, Place-Based Education, Mississippi, Grants in Place

One of a Kind: North State Student Ambassadors Plan, Lead New Conference on Rural Voice

April 9, 2025

The North State Student Ambassadors of Chico State University planned and facilitated a conference for high school students centered around gaining confidence in their voice and ways to succeed in college as rural students.

Regional Hubs, Northern California, Rural Resilience

MSREA Celebration Honors Mississippi Rural Teachers of the Year Finalists

March 28, 2025

Highlighting the work of MS Rural Teacher of the Year Finalists: Dr. Lindsay Colyer, Terrance Thomas, Elizabeth White, and Lauren Haslauer

Regional Hubs, Mississippi

Learning in Place: Clemson Science Methods Class Transformed Through Partnership with Local Schools

March 27, 2025

Drs. Steph Dean and Julianne Wenner detail how they utilized partnerships with local rural schools to enhance their science methods course for pre-service teachers at Clemson University.

Regional Hubs, Southeast, Place-Based Education