Our Stories

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

​Rural School Consolidation Deserves Much Greater Scrutiny

October 28, 2015

Paul Theobald encourages us to take a second look at rural school consolidation.

Power of Partnerships

The Gone Generation: The rural brain drain and the future of Southern Illinois small towns

October 20, 2015

An insightful journalist examines the future of rural high school graduates in southern Illinois.

Power of Partnerships

Chebanse (IL) Elementary School Completes Outdoor Learning Classroom

October 12, 2015

A Second Grade Teacher and Her Students Spearhead a School and Community Project

Place-Based Education

New Partnership Supports Stories of Place

October 6, 2015

Collaboration will showcase exemplary place-based education projects!

Power of Partnerships

Windows of Giving: The Historic Ellisville Restoration Organization

September 29, 2015

Our first Windows of Giving feature shines an online contribution spotlight on Ellisville, Illinois.

Local Philanthropy

The Apprentice--You're Inspired!

September 22, 2015

Ozark Teacher Corps member Hannah Ramsey is making good things happen in Nixa, Missouri.

Place-Based Education

Community Recognition for Community-Minded Projects

September 14, 2015

Charleston (IL) Middle School and Eastern Illinois Men's Basketball Partner to Honor Grant Recipients

Place-Based Education

Big Ideas Come from Small Places

September 9, 2015

A Murphysboro, Illinois graduate shows that technology innovation knows no boundaries.

Power of Partnerships

Join a Public Conversation on Rural Schools, Philanthropy, and Economic Development

September 1, 2015

Strong public schools are essential to the economic health of rural regions.

Power of Partnerships

Securing a Strong Future: An Illinois School Foundation Rises to the Challenge

August 26, 2015

From drama programs to fishing poles, western Illinois' ROWVA Public Schools Foundation enriches student learning opportunities.

Local Philanthropy

A Prologue for a New School Year

August 19, 2015

Missouri's Kelly Wardle has some great suggestions for new teachers as part of our Educator's Voice series.

Place-Based Education

The Value of Small-Town Stories

August 11, 2015

Children's author, Faith Harkey, believes "small-town stories remind us of the power of community."

Place-Based Education