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."