Rural communities need help attracting and retaining engineering and STEM talent as rapid technological advancement drives the need for higher-skilled professionals in production factories. Universities must now embrace their role in adapting programs addressing these community challenges, including rural "brain drain." This mixed-methods study evaluated the perceptions of a sample of engineering student participants in a university-developed summer internship program to provide unique rural experiences throughout the state for future graduates. Using the lens of Social Cognitive Career Theory, key factors were identified that influence the interest of future graduates in taking permanent employment positions in rural communities. Findings indicate that positive and negative learning experiences during the internship significantly affected the students' interest in permanent employment in rural areas. The student results were also discussed with leaders of program development in multiple universities for insights into adaptive leadership efforts needed to create more programs that address community and societal issues. The leaders were aligned in their perception that creative experiential programs supporting students and communities are essential to address the strategic missions of universities. However, they acknowledge that funding these types of programs remains a challenge. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]