Community, Place, and Culture: Pillars of Sustainability and Deep Connection for Rural Schools

Sustainability For Rural Diverse Communities

Although rural places can be wonderful places to live and work, the future of rural communities is somewhat bleak. Outmigration of children from rural communities is common; children often leave due to of job market and economic decline (Waller, 2011; Wood, 2008). Carr and Kefalas (2008) label this the rural brain drain. The rural brain drain is highly problematic for rural sustainability. As communities lose population, particularly the best and brightest students, likelihood of solving problems related to shrinking populations becomes difficult. Success is frequently measured solely by leaving the community.

Carr and Kefalas’s (2008) book, Hollowing out the Middle: The Rural Brain Drain and What It Means for Rural America, examines further this outmigration of youth. In this ethnographic study, taking place in Ellis, Iowa, the authors identify four groups of students: achievers, stayers, seekers, and returners. The achievers were those who left Ellis for work in larger urban centers. Stayers stayed in the community and entered family life and the work force early on. Seekers sought opportunities outside of Ellis, often in the military, or non-college opportunities. Returners came back to Ellis, and often had professional employment within the community following a brief period of time away (also discussed in Waller, 2011.)