At a time of widespread public cynicism about social institutions, America's community colleges are striving to reconnect with the communities they serve and function as catalysts for community renewal. In a recent national survey, about a third of the colleges questioned had formalized service learning in their course work, and nearly half…

This book documents community-based educational practices that hold promise for rural communities struggling to survive in difficult times. Rural schools can benefit from closer ties to community by providing opportunities for community-based learning through community service and career exploration. On the other hand, community development groups…