The Rural Talent Development and Attraction Lab (Rural Talent Lab) is a four-year, multi-state initiative led by the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges (ARRC) in partnership with the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) and HCM Strategists, with generous support from a $7.2 million grant from Ascendium Education Group. The project aims to strengthen rural postsecondary opportunities by helping five states develop and implement statewide plans that expand middle-skill credential pathways (associate degree or undergraduate certificate) directly aligned with local workforce needs. These pathways will be accessible, affordable, and transparent—empowering rural residents to live, learn, and work in their home communities.
Goals
- Support five states in launching at least four sub-baccalaureate programs aligned with rural workforce needs by Fall 2027
- Engage in rural community listening tours, public opinion surveys, and labor market analyses to shape pathway development
- Provide technical assistance, expert advising, in-person learning academies, and funding for travel and implementation
- Evaluate learner outcomes using state administrative data and a Pathway Participant Survey in Spring 2028
- Share insights through blogs, podcast episodes, research reports, national presentations, and a final policy showcase in Washington, D.C.
Webinar
Launching the Rural Talent Lab – A New Model for Statewide Rural Talent Development Webinar
Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. ET
Recording link, passcode: gW7jN!QM | Webinar slide deck
Call for State Teams
The Lab will guide five selected states in creating affordable, middle-skill credential pathways aligned to local industry needs. Participating teams will engage in rural listening tours, public opinion surveys, data analysis, and in-person learning academies. State teams will have access to up to $100,000 in technical assistance funds and $25,000 in travel support.
Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. ET on May 6, 2025.
Resources:
For questions about this project from SHEEO, contact John Lane, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Equity Initiatives, at jlane@sheeo.org.