All programming will be in Marquette A&B within the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.
EWA is grateful to Ascendium for providing the major funding that made this programming possible. EWA retains editorial control over all content.
Rural colleges do more than educate — they often serve as the heart of the local economy and community life. From providing health care services and workforce training to serving as major employers and cultural hubs, rural institutions are critical to regional vitality and identity. When these schools close or enrollment drops, an entire region can face disruptions. Panelists explore the community role of rural colleges, what happens when they close and how some institutions adapt and thrive.
Some rural colleges continue to face challenges ensuring students and schools can use up-to-date technology, including broadband accessibility and financial constraints. Some schools have found new ways to increase connectivity for their students, but the digital divide remains a major issue. How are rural colleges adapting to the rapidly evolving technological landscape in higher education?
Like most college students, today’s rural students defy the traditional image of college-goers. Many are older, already employed and focused on the return on investment of their education. Gen Z learners are opting for credential programs over a postsecondary degree, and they look to TikTok for information. Mid-career adults are pursuing upskilling opportunities at local colleges. How are rural institutions meeting the needs of increasingly diverse, pragmatic and digitally native students?
Native American students often face barriers to higher education – including cost, distance and lack of community – that contribute to low college enrollment for these students compared to other racial and ethnic groups. Meanwhile, tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), which center Native identities, have long been underfunded and now face further federal funding cuts. Panelists offer context on TCUs and discuss how to center the experiences of Native students across higher education.
Too often, rural communities are reduced to clichés — often defined by scarcity and assumed to be made up entirely of white conservatives. This session challenges education reporters to reimagine their rural coverage by moving beyond deficit-based narratives and toward storytelling that captures the diversity, nuances and resilience of rural communities. Panelists explore persistent stereotypes, share strategies for avoiding reductive framing and offer compelling stories that can be localized.
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