This landscape report explores the impact of earning micro-credentials on the social mobility of rural learners. Through four in-depth case studies, we show how earning micro-credentials may lead to credential attainment, workforce entry, promotions, and/or economic improvements (e.g., salary increase, prioritizing learners impacted by poverty),…

Recent media reporting and research suggest that regional comprehensive universities (RCUs) and other postsecondary institutions may play an integral role in the welfare of rural regions, yet empirical research on the regional service of rural postsecondary institutions is limited. The purpose of this study was to examine how a single RCU serves…

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) was charged by state statute with developing a statewide Master Plan for the future development of public universities, community colleges, and colleges of applied technology, with input from the Board of Regents and the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees. The overriding function of the Plan…

This study uses the best available national data to project future supply and demand for occupations associated with the energy industry for each Appalachian state, and the number of people enrolled in and graduating from programs in the Region's institutions of higher education that will be available to meet or exceed the demand. The report…

"Linking Workforce Development to Economic Development: A Casebook for Community Colleges" is a compilation of best practice examples, which illustrate what it takes for community colleges to achieve their goal of helping people acquire education and skills, helping employers, supporting communities, and building the nation. The book is…

The Rural Manpower Service as administered by the Tennessee Department of Employment Security provides placement services to rural employers and workers and assures that they receive "equity of access" to manpower services. It is also concerned with assuring that the Rural Development Act is being implemented in a manner designed to give…

Reviewing the operations of the Rural Manpower Services as administered by the Tennessee Department of Employment, this annual report reveals factors which have influenced 1974 placement services for rural employers and workers. Areas covered include: planning; economic developments; employment and unemployment trends; services for rural people;…

Contributions of rural high schools to their local economic climate are both underestimated and undervalued. Functions that high schools can and should perform in rural economic development today include providing occupational training to meet immediate labor market needs, raising community educational attainment levels to meet long-term…

An evaluation was made of 38 programs being carried on in Tennessee colleges and universities in 1969 under Title I, Higher Education Act of 1965. During the first four years, 22 Tennessee institutions were involved in 69 proposals, and received a total of $676,385.15 in funds through June 30, 1969. Eight other subcontracts were also awarded to…