As Congress debates how to address the projected shortfall in the federal Pell Grant program, rural community colleges have an important stake in the outcome. An analysis of federal data from 469 rural-serving institutions shows that Pell participation and total federal investment in these colleges have declined over the past decade. In other words, long before policymakers began discussing a Pell funding gap, rural community colleges were already seeing fewer students receive Pell Grants and fewer federal dollars flowing into their campuses and communities.

Using Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) data collected since 2010, three trends emerge that should inform the national conversation about Pell and rural higher education. These data start two years before Congress addressed the last major Pell funding shortfall in 2012 by tightening eligibility rules. Those changes stabilized the program financially, but they also reduced access for many students and were followed by a long period of declining community college enrollment.

Continue reading the full article here.

Deep Roots, Bright Future: 60 Years of Forestry & Natural Resources at CR

For six decades, the Forestry & Natural Resources (FNR) program at College of the Redwoods has been more than a curriculum. It has been a place where curiosity about the natural world becomes expertise, passion becomes commitment, and students leave prepared to care for the forests that sustain communities and ecosystems alike.

Founded in 1965, just a year after the college opened its doors, FNR quickly became one of CR’s cornerstone programs. In a county nearly synonymous with redwood forests, it was a natural fit. Since then, hundreds of graduates have carried forward science-based solutions to some of the region’s most complex natural resource challenges. “Sustainably managed forests are critical to the future of our planet,” says CR President Dr. Keith Flamer. “Our graduates contribute to economic growth, cultural preservation, and community well-being, not just here in Humboldt, but across the country.”

Read the full article here.

RCCA Alliance Learning Series Webinar



• Student Success in Action: Building a Connection to Campus with Mentorship
• Tuesday, March 18, 2026
• 2:00 pm Eastern

Mentorship can play a meaningful role in addressing enrollment challenges, improving retention, and strengthening students' connection to campus. When designed with intention, mentorship becomes a coordinated strategy that supports students while also giving institutions better insight into when support is needed most.

This session will highlight a data-driven mentorship model that brings together students, faculty, staff, and peer mentors to create a strong, connected support network. Presenters will share how this approach builds belonging, enables timely outreach, and provides actionable data to support student persistence and administrative decision-making.

The conversation will focus on how this model can be implemented and scaled to support student success while making the most of existing campus resources.

Presenters

• Dr. Rosa Lopez, Dean of Students, College of Southern Idaho
• Andrew Shaw, Account Executive for Higher Education, Mentor Collective