Can Rural Schools Power Local Economies?

Can a revamped academic focus strengthen rural schools — and their local economies as well? Independent schools that are struggling to attract new generations of students to their rural or small-town campuses might find inspiration in towns such as Walla Walla, Washington.

In 2000, as Walla Walla was struggling amid closing lumber mills and diminishing farming jobs, the local community college started an enology and viticulture program to train students in the art of winebacking. In the years since, more than 150 new wineries have opened in the area, spurring growth in the local hospitality sector and wine distribution industry. The school also tripled the size of its nursing program and launched a program to train technicians for wind turbines. "This was a dying western rural community," said Josh Wyner of the Aspen Institute. "Now, the community blows your mind. They helped create a new economy."

The Atlantic (05/02/17)

More news related to the business of independent schools