Expanding Economic and Educational Opportunity in Distressed Rural Areas: A Conceptual Framework for the Rural Community College Initiative.

The Rural Community College Initiative (RCCI) collaborates with community colleges in rural communities that are racially, ethnically, culturally, and economically diverse by challenging them to think broadly about their potential as catalysts for regional development. RCCI is a national demonstration program that combines the goals of rural development and access to education, providing funding and technical assistance to 24 colleges in 1998. This booklet outlines RCCI principles, discusses strategies of access to education and economic development, and describes the place of community colleges in the community-wide collaborative process. The foundations for economic development are briefly described in terms of strategic planning and the role of the community college. Roles for community colleges to assume in local economic development are explained: regional leadership; workforce development in collaboration with employers; promotion of technology transfer, competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and small business development; poverty-targeted programming; and encouragement of a strong education ethic. Outlined are expanded and more aggressive strategies by which community colleges can increase access both to education and to the opportunities created through education. These strategies focus on partnerships with secondary schools, disadvantaged students, nontraditional programs, and distance learning. Essential institutional capacities and characteristics are listed, and the college-community collaboration process is discussed. (SAS)