Our Mission
Celebrating 10 Years of Rural Schools Collaborative
As we celebrate Rural Schools Collaborative’s 10th anniversary in 2025, we are filled with gratitude for the journey alongside rural educators, students, and advocates. What began as a desire to support rural schools has grown into a national movement, with impact far beyond what we ever could have imagined. At the root of it all are partnerships, collaboration, and a shared unconditional belief in the possibility of rural places.
In 2021, RSC’s founding director, Gary Funk, passed the torch to new leadership. His family created a $50,000 endowment for RSC, signaling a belief that our impact would continue into an unknown future.
In 2024, our Board of Directors made a commitment to match the Funk’s endowment in advance of our 10 Year Anniversary. Through a special campaign honoring our Founding Board members, we exceeded the goal of $100,000 in endowment, affirming yet again that RSC is here to stay.
Thank you to all who have been a part of the first decade of RSC. We are thrilled to celebrate with you!
Who We Are
Rural Schools Collaborative maintains a small, dedicated team to support our Regional Hub Network programs and partnerships.
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RSC Programs
As a collaborative network, the many partners of Rural Schools Collaborative make possible our diverse programs dedicated to building strong and sustainable rural communities.
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Theory of Change
Every rural community needs well-resourced schools, talented educators, peers to support them, and a positive outlook for the future.
Learn MoreWe're hiring! Join the RSC Team
Regional Hub Network
Our Regional Hub partners provide RSC with a flexible and cost-effective organizational infrastructure. They are vehicles for authentic place-centered learning, teacher support, and shared reflection.
The latest from our Hubs and Partners:
News and Updates
Elevating Student Voice: GRAD Partnership Storytelling Contest in the Black Belt, Northern California
RSC GRAD Partnership Leads Susan Schroth and Annah Rogers pioneered a storytelling contest at several high schools in rural Alabama, Mississippi, and California.
Where Personal Experience Meets Professional Purpose: Our Journey with GRAD Partnership
As the Community Foundation steps into its role as the backbone organization for GRAD Partnership in the Dubuque, Iowa region, they're not just implementing another program. They're leveraging their deep experience in collective impact to ensure this initiative takes root and flourishes.
The Seymour Center for Rural Education’s Teacher Corps Retreat
Three Rural Teacher Corps in western Illinois come together to build community and connection for the future.
Eric Nichols - Crane, OR
In a widespread community in Harney County, Oregon, the community is the school.