Fostering Economic Development in Rural Communities

A 2016 study on rural poverty in America found that rural poverty rates exceeded urban poverty rates every year since 1959. Data from 2019 puts the rural poverty rate — across all races and ethnicities — at 15.4%, while urban poverty rates remained lower at 11.9%. Over more than 50 years, the disparity between rural and urban areas in terms of development and opportunities has remained stubbornly pronounced. Addressing this gap is crucial for the sustainable growth of the country as a whole, making economic development in rural communities a matter of national importance.

 

The Importance of Economic Development in Rural Communities

 

Economic development is particularly vital in rural communities. It leads to improved infrastructure, healthcare, and schools, which in turn enhances the quality of life. Economic growth fosters job creation, reducing unemployment and poverty rates. It also encourages the preservation of local cultures and traditions, as communities become financially sustainable without the need to urbanize for economic reasons.

 

Moreover, economic development in rural areas contributes to the national economy by diversifying the economic base, from agriculture to manufacturing and services. This diversity helps stabilize the economy by reducing its vulnerability to market fluctuations in any single sector.

 

Ways to Foster Economic Development and Growth in Rural Communities

 

To foster economic development and growth in rural communities, a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes:

 

• Investing in infrastructure: Building and improving infrastructure — such as roads, electricity, and internet connectivity — is foundational. It enables access to markets, information, and resources, facilitating other development efforts.
• Supporting local businesses: Encouraging entrepreneurship and supporting local businesses through grants, training, and access to credit helps build a robust local economy. It keeps wealth within the community and creates jobs.
• Agricultural development: Given the rural reliance on agriculture, improving agricultural productivity through modern techniques and technologies can significantly boost the local economy.
• Tourism: Promoting and developing tourism based on local culture, history, and natural beauty can generate significant revenue for rural communities.
• Renewable energy projects: Investing in renewable energy can provide reliable power to rural areas, create jobs, and contribute to environmental sustainability.

 

The Importance of Education in Rural Communities

There are many strategies that contribute to economic development, but education is a fundamental pillar of this effort. Education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate fully in the economy, either as employees or entrepreneurs. In rural areas, improving educational access and quality can have transformative effects, enabling individuals to access better job opportunities or start their own businesses.

 

However, traditional educational models often fall short in rural areas due to issues such as distance, lack of resources, and teacher shortages. This is where innovative educational models, such as homeschooling programs, can be crucial.

 

Tiers Free Academy: A Catalyst of Economic Development for Rural Communities

 

Here at the Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation, our Tiers Free Academy homeschool program provides comprehensive education from kindergarten through 12th grade. This program is well suited for rural communities, offering a curriculum that is accessible online and adaptable to the needs and contexts of each student. By increasing communities’ access to flexible high-quality education, Tiers Free Academy helps overcome the barriers to education faced by rural communities.

 

Key advantages of the Tiers Free Academy program include:

 

• Accessibility: Being an online program, it overcomes the geographical barriers that often hinder access to education in rural areas.
• Flexibility: The program allows students to learn at their own pace, accommodating agricultural and other rural lifestyles.
• A comprehensive curriculum: It offers a wide range of subjects, preparing students for a variety of career paths, including those that can directly contribute to local economic development.
• Community engagement: The program encourages community involvement and local service projects, fostering a sense of responsibility and a desire to contribute to local development.

 

Rural economic development is essential for creating sustainable and equitable growth, and one of the most effective tools for this is education. Innovative educational models like Tiers Free Academy offer practical solutions to the challenges faced by rural communities. By providing accessible, high-quality education, we not only prepare individuals for the future, but also help build the foundation for meaningful economic growth in remote and rural communities.

 

Explore Tiers Free Academy today to see how a homeschool high school degree can improve your prospects and build up your local community!

The Dr. Annise Mabry Foundation is dedicated to improving our community by enhancing education opportunities, promoting synchrony between law enforcement and constituents, and encouraging community engagement. Our programs and initiatives include the Southwest GA Community Policing Resource Center and the Tiers Free Academy, a homeschool cooperative for students in grades 9-12 that provides an alternative diploma program for homeless LGBTQ youth, sex trafficking survivors, youth aging out of foster care, youth aging out of the public school system, youth previously under supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and high school dropouts. To learn more about our offerings or support our work, consider subscribing to our newsletter or donating today!