Rural community colleges occupy a unique and important place in higher education. Out of 332 million Americans, 46 million live in rural communities, and more than 1.5 million attend one of 444 rural community colleges. These institutions are more than education providers; they are essential hubs in their regions, generating opportunities for economic mobility, driving talent development, and often supporting their region’s health and education systems.
But while excellent rural community colleges offer many examples and lessons on how to improve student success and strengthen communities, they tend to receive less attention than their urban and suburban counterparts from policymakers, industry leaders, the media, and researchers. One consequence of this reality: less information about how excellence in student outcomes can be achieved for their students.
This report from the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program provides a repository of examples from high-achieving rural colleges that can help other community colleges deliver stronger and more equitable results for the students and communities they serve.
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