The Rural Community College Landscape

According to the U.S. Department of Education, there are over 260 rural community colleges in the United States which educate nearly 670,000 students a year. Rural community colleges provide a number of vital functions. In addition to offering educational opportunities and vocational training, many represent the largest employer in their communities. In order to best serve these colleges and their students, it is critical that we understand their successes and their challenges, and develop policy solutions to support rural institutions and their communities in achieving academic and economic prosperity.

Research and Publications

Strengthening Rural Community Colleges: Innovations and Opportunities details the needs and challenges of rural community colleges throughout the United States.

Updates

Updates and Information

March 16, 2021March 15, 2021 by ACCT Staff

New ACCT Paper Assesses Rural College Needs, Showcases Innovative Solutions to Making Do with Limited Resources

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) today released Strengthening Rural Community Colleges: Innovations and Opportunities, a paper that details the needs of rural colleges throughout the United States. ACCT’s Strengthening Rural Community College initiative is funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “For more than a year, ACCT’s staff has interviewed… Read More

February 19, 2020February 20, 2020 by rrushmarlowe

ACCT Rural Colleges Initiative Fact Finding Begins

As announced last October, ACCT is conducting a comprehensive assessment of the needs of rural community colleges throughout the country as part of a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This assessment is being performed through the convening of trustees and other community stakeholders to learn about and highlight areas of importance and… Read More

August 21, 2019November 15, 2019 by ACCT Staff

Press Release: ACCT Announces New Initiative to Strengthen Rural Community Colleges

WASHINGTON— A comprehensive assessment of the needs of rural community colleges throughout the country will be conducted by the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT), the association announced today. The study will be funded by an 18-month, $250,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. “ACCT is grateful to the Bill & Melinda Gates… Read More

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