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The Power of Storytelling in Place-Based Education
As the fall term begins, rural community colleges across the country are once again opening their doors not just to students, but to hope, opportunity, and the kind of place-based education that only rural institutions can offer.
In rural communities, colleges are more than classrooms. They’re rooted in the land and woven into the fabric of local life. They are where generations gather, where workforce meets community, and where local solutions are created every day. Our work is grounded in place and that’s our greatest strength.
That’s why RCCA is committed to lifting up the voices of our members through storytelling. Each month, we highlight a rural college in our newsletter, not just to showcase innovation, but to build a shared narrative of what’s working in rural America. These stories matter, and we need more of them. If your campus has launched a new initiative, built a transformative partnership, or simply has a compelling student success story to tell, send it our way. You don’t have to polish it or overthink it just help us help others see the powerful work happening in your corner of the country.
And if you want to go beyond reading these stories come hear them in person. Join us this September 17–19 in Union, Missouri, for our annual conference:
Gateway to the Best – Show Me Rural Excellence.
There’s something powerful about being in the same room with others who understand the challenges and opportunities of rural higher education. The conference is more than an event, it’s a gathering of shared values, lived experience, and renewed purpose. You’ll leave with new ideas, new partners, and a deeper connection to this national movement we’re building together.
Let’s keep telling our stories, and let’s keep showing the world what rural excellence looks like.
| | College Feature: Our newest member to RCCA: Clatsop Community College | | |
Local Maritime Expert Bill Antilla Back at CCC to Lead Future Mariners
Clatsop Community College is thrilled to announce the return of former Maritime instructor Bill Antilla to its faculty ranks this fall. A local from Warrenton, Bill brings a wealth of maritime industry experience and a deep-rooted connection to CCC, having attended the college himself in 1977.
Bill's career spans decades of navigating waters from California to the Bering Sea, where he operated boats and worked alongside international mariners. His journey led him back to CCC in 1995, where he served as a Maritime Science instructor until his retirement in 2021.
"I know firsthand how small the maritime community is," Bill remarked. "It's crucial to stay connected and keep our industry strong." With an eye on the future of maritime education, Bill emphasized the importance of training new generations of professionals. "We have an aging workforce, including instructors. Coming back to CCC is a chance to support the industry and teach others about the great career path in the maritime industry."
During his tenure, Bill's contributions were instrumental in CCC's Maritime Science program being recognized as a Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the United States Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD). His advocacy and testimony showcased CCC’s importance to the support and future of maritime economy.
"We are grateful that Bill Antilla agreed to come back to CCC," said President Jarrod Hogue. "His dedication and expertise will play a vital role in shaping the next generation of maritime leaders."
Students and community members interested in CCC's Maritime Science program are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office at admissions@clatsopcc.edu for more information.
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Running for Oregon Community College Students: 1,500 Miles, 17 Colleges, 50 Days, 1 Cause
This summer, Clackamas Community College President Dr. Tim Cook is taking on a bold challenge, running to all 17 community colleges in Oregon. The Running for Oregon Community College Students (ROCCS) campaign covers more than 1,500 miles in 50 days to raise awareness and funds for students’ basic needs like food, housing, childcare, and transportation.
Cook, a first-generation college graduate and avid marathoner, will reach Clatsop Community College on July 29—stop #13 on his journey. Funds raised will go directly to participating colleges to support students.
Check out how the run went on the Running for Oregon Community College Students Instagram page here.
Learn more or donate: run4orccstudents.org
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Strengthening Communities Through Rural Colleges
Rural community colleges are more than just education centers; they’re anchor institutions driving regional economic prosperity. By partnering with local employers, aligning curricula with in-demand skills, and focusing on both technical abilities and soft skills, these colleges are building adaptable talent pipelines that support long-term career growth and community resilience. From tackling skill gaps to supporting immigrant and low‑income learners, the strategies outlined in this whitepaper illuminate how rural colleges are evolving as essential engines of workforce development.
Click here to learn more
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Trump Admin Cuts Funding to 600+ Colleges
A sweeping analysis reveals that the Trump administration has targeted over 600 colleges and universities, cutting more than 4,000 federal grants valued at $6.9–8.2 billion—dramatically impacting public institutions, land-grant universities, tribal colleges, and HBCUs alike. These cuts, often framed as efforts to dismantle DEI initiatives and enforce ideological compliance, are forcing schools to scale back critical programs in research, teacher training, and student support.
Read the full article here
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Jobs for the Future Secured Major Grant to Expand Fair Chance Initiative
A major boost for rural justice and workforce supports: Jobs for the Future (JFF) recently secured a $19.5 million grant from Ascendium Education Group to expand its Fair Chance to Advance initiative across four states. Launched in 2024 by JFF’s Center for Justice & Economic Advancement, the initiative works to dismantle systemic barriers in education, employment, and reentry systems. Participating states will use the funds—along with technical assistance and peer networks—to build infrastructure for postsecondary training and fair-chance hiring for individuals with arrest or conviction records.
Explore the full story
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Calling all Community College Work-Based Learning Programs!
MDRC is conducting a study on work-based learning (or work experience education)
at community colleges in the US.
As part of this study, we are conducting a scan of community college work-based learning programs, policies, and initiatives across the US, with a focus on California.
We are looking for both well-established and new, promising programs that offer students work experience as part of their education. Examples may include internship programs, co-operative education, practicums, experiential learning, clinical placements, and/or externships.
Examples of relevant programs include:
- Internships
- Co-operative education
- Practicums
- Experiential learning
- Clinical placements
- Externships
We're especially interested in programs that are:
✔️ For-credit
✔️ Paid
✔️ Aligned with industry or employer needs
✔️ Supported by mentoring or supervision
✔️ Designed with equity and diversity in mind
✔️ Focused on skill development
✔️ Centered on learning outcomes
If you know of any programs that fit these criteria, we’d love to hear from you!
Submit your recommendations via this short Form (it takes about 2 minutes).
Also, feel free to share this with colleagues or other organizations that may have insights to contribute.
Thank you for your support in helping us identify and elevate impactful programs!
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RCCA Rural Learning Academies
The Rural Community College Alliance (RCCA) is proud to launch the Rural Learning Academies, a transformative one-year leadership experience for rural community colleges. This opportunity blends hands-on application, personalized support, and peer collaboration to drive long-term institutional change.
Spots are limited, but applications are still being accepted!
👉 Learn more and apply today!
| | | | Resources and Opportunities | |
Important Dates From ACCT
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Stay Connected with RCCA on Facebook!
Join the conversation and stay up-to-date on everything happening in the Rural Community College Alliance community by following us on Facebook! From exciting conference updates and educational webinars to success stories and resources tailored for rural colleges, our page is your go-to place for staying informed and engaged.
Follow us at @RuralCommunityCollegeAlliance and be part of our growing network of educators, leaders, and advocates committed to rural student success!
| | | | Follow the RCCA Facebook Page | | | | |
