Understanding Assets and Challenges of Rural Communities
Understanding Assets and Challenges of Rural Communities
Texas has the largest rural student population in the United States, with more than 1000 districts receiving a rural designation. Geographically isolated communities often have limited resource which can lead to challenges in staffing, advanced coursework offerings, and enrichment programs. Rural community can also face unique challenges with bussing and transportation, as well access to broadband and digital services. But rural schools are often situated in close-knit communities where schools foster strong and lasting relationships between educators, students, and families. Their small size can also allow for a more nimble and entrepreneurial approach that embraces regional collaboration with schools, employers and local government to meet educational goals. Join us for a conversation about the promise and peril of building the capacity of rural communities to support student success.
Dreama Gentry founded Partners for Rural Impact to ensure rural students have the opportunity to fulfill their educational aspirations, and the national dialogue around educational success includes rural voices. A first-generation college graduate from Appalachia, Gentry is an Annie E. Casey Children and Family Fellow and a Prichard Committee Equity Coalition member, among other honors.
Sylvia A. Leal is the Senior Program Officer for Education & Economic Mobility. She is committed to advancing student access to high-quality education from early grades through college completion and equipping them for high-wage, high-demand jobs in the region. Sylvia’s career spans more than 36 years of experience in education. She strongly believes that equitable quality education can transform the lives of students, their families, and their communities, especially for diverse unrepresented students. Sylvia continues her lifetime work to seek and develop innovative initiatives that increase the number of first-generation students who obtain postsecondary credentials with labor market value.