In a bid to increase college attendance among rural students, the U.S. Department of Education (EDU) is set to allocate $44.5 million in grants to 22 schools. The funds are being distributed through the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) grant program, which aims to attract these students towards highly skilled, well-paying careers that are in high demand within their local communities.
According to an EDU news release, the college attendance rate for students aged between 18 and 24 in rural communities stands at just 29 percent, compared to a 42 percent rate for those living near metropolitan areas. The challenges preventing rural students from attending and completing secondary education include food and housing insecurity, limited access to health care and high-speed internet, as well as reliable transportation.
The EDU's announcement of the $44.5 million grant forms part of a wider initiative by the Biden administration to create more career pathways for students residing in rural areas, according to the news release. The funds will also aid students in transitioning from two-year colleges to four-year institutions. Schools applying for RPED funding were advised to offer support facilitating this transition through partnerships that bolster career pathways for students.
"The grants announced today by the Biden-Harris administration reflect our commitment to empowering rural communities to build on their strengths, attract new investments, and prepare students for the high-skill, high-wage jobs of tomorrow," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "When we invest in postsecondary attainment in rural communities, we create pathways for students to find rewarding careers that do not require them to leave their hometowns for economic opportunity. These grant awards will help rural institutions raise the bar for student success and the attainment of valuable degrees and credentials that lead to brighter futures and greater prosperity."
The news release further stated that among the schools set to receive funding are Athens State University; Arizona State University; Graham County Community College District; College Bridge; Western Illinois University; Northern Illinois University; Big Sandy Community and Technical College; Elizabethtown Community and Technical College; Hazard Community and Technical College; Morehead State University; The University of New Mexico-Valencia; The Research Foundation of SUNY at Alfred; Appalachian State University; McDowell Technical Community College; Pitt Community College; Chemeketa Community College; University of Pennsylvania; Voorhees University; Columbia State Community College; Vermont Technical College and Heritage University.
