Rural Alliance’s purpose is to support rural education partners and their priority areas for growth, development, and educational impact. Our main activities include collaboration and learning, fundraising, and technical assistance.
Rural Alliance Priorities
The Rural Alliance exists to support rural education partners in their growth, development, and impact. Our work centers on collaboration, shared learning, fundraising, and technical assistance that strengthens rural schools and expands opportunity for every student. These priorities reflect the needs of our network and the strengths of rural communities.
School Workforce Support & Development
Rural educators demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their students, schools, and communities. At the same time, they face limited time for professional development, staffing shortages, and the need to adapt quickly to changing student needs. The Rural Alliance will support districts through principal leadership development, cultural competency, family engagement training, mental health supports, and the sharing of best practices. We will also strengthen rural educator pipelines through grow‑your‑own programs, regional shared staffing models, and AI‑supported professional learning that reduces workload and increases access to high‑quality development.
Social‑Emotional Learning & Outside‑School Supports
Healthy development happens before, during, and after school. Rural students benefit from expanded access to after‑school programs, summer learning, and enrichment opportunities that build belonging and resilience. The Rural Alliance will work with districts to address transportation barriers, strengthen partnerships with community organizations, and expand access to mental health supports—including tele‑mental health options—to ensure students and staff have the resources they need to thrive.
Family & Cultural Engagement
Understanding and honoring the cultural assets of rural families is essential to improving graduation and postsecondary outcomes. The Rural Alliance prioritizes deep engagement with parents and caregivers as advocates for their children’s academic and career aspirations. We will strengthen partnerships with tribal nations, multilingual families, and community organizations to ensure culturally responsive engagement. Success depends on schools and communities working together to understand their diverse populations and remove barriers to opportunity.
Post‑Secondary Access & Career Pathways
Clearing the path to college, career, and community‑based futures remains a core focus of our network. The Rural Alliance will continue to expand dual‑credit opportunities, career pipeline programs, vocational pathways, and rural counselor network learning. We will also support FAFSA/WAFSA completion, work‑based learning, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local industries. AI‑supported advising tools will help districts expand capacity and ensure every rural student has a clear, supported pathway after high school.
Internet Access, Digital Readiness & Blended Learning
High‑speed internet and reliable technology are essential for modern learning. The Rural Alliance will support districts in improving connectivity, device access, and digital literacy for students, families, and educators. We will help districts identify research‑based tools and practices that strengthen blended and online learning, and we will expand AI literacy to ensure rural communities can participate fully in emerging technologies.
Early Learning & Family Support
Early childhood development and kindergarten readiness depend on strong families and community systems. The Rural Alliance and partner districts are working to integrate early learning and care systems that support rural families. We will address childcare deserts, strengthen home‑visiting programs, and align early learning with K–3 instruction to ensure every child enters school ready to succeed.
Data for the Network
Our network is committed to improving outcomes for rural students and communities. The Rural Alliance will work collaboratively with districts to identify shared indicators, develop accessible dashboards, and build capacity for data‑informed decision‑making. We will support districts in using both quantitative and qualitative data to monitor equity, track progress, and drive continuous improvement. AI‑enhanced data tools will help reduce burden and increase insight for small rural teams.
Rural Innovation & AI Readiness
Rural districts are uniquely positioned to lead in AI‑enhanced learning because of their flexibility, strong relationships, and community‑driven problem solving. The Rural Alliance can support districts in building AI literacy, integrating AI into instruction and operations, and ensuring ethical, equitable implementation that expands opportunity for rural students.