The ARRC team will also include @alisahicklinfryar.bsky.social, @drkevinrmcclure.com, @vsansone.bsky.social, @tycmcnamee.bsky.social, & @shortle.bsky.social. Be sure to follow this account and @ruraltalentlab.bsky.social to get project updates!

We hope that @ruraltalentlab.bsky.social will result in a model for statewide rural talent development and attraction that can be adapted to other program areas & state contexts. Our team is grateful for #AscendiumEP’s generous support of this work and their ongoing investment in rural communities.

These pathways will be created in partnership with rural stakeholders and targeted to specific rural workforce needs, offering opportunities that are transparent, accessible, low-risk, and as close-to-free as possible, to learners beginning in Fall 2027.

The @ruraltalentlab.bsky.social will identify 5 state higher ed agencies ready to lead in rural talent development & attraction. Informed by community listening tours, public-opinion research, & expert advising, state teams will implement affordable, middle-skill credential pathways.

We are excited to share that ARRC has secured a $7.25 million grant from Ascendium Education Group to launch the Rural Talent Development & Attraction Lab over the next 4 years under the leadership of @drandrewk.bsky.social & in collaboration w/ @sheeoed.bsky.social.bsky.social and HCM Strategists.

We have a new brief exploring rural-serving institutions in Colorado. The paper looks the "Colorado Paradox"--that CO is one of the most educated states yet people born and raised there have low educational attainment. And how RSIs are key to addressing gaps. www.regionalcolleges.org/project/addr...

The Chronicle of Higher Education produced a short video, "What Counts as a Rural College?" based on research from our project on rural-serving institutions.
www.chronicle.com/featured/stu...

Are you looking for a research-based list of regional public universities? We've got you covered. @ceciliaorphan.bsky.social and colleagues used cluster analysis to identify, define, and examine the entire RPU sector and its students. Learn more: www.regionalcolleges.org/project/iden...

Did You Know? There are 474 Regional Public Universities that enroll 3.8 million full-time equivalent students and 5.1 million students (inclusive of part-time students). Learn more about these important institutions and the students they serve. www.regionalcolleges.org/project/iden...