The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) will take part in Phase 2 of the Rural Guided Pathways Project, continuing its efforts from Phase 1. The initiative brings together participating colleges and regional community partners to implement institution-wide reforms based on the guided pathways framework. The project’s focus on rural communities and collaboration with local partners distinguishes it from other guided pathways initiatives.
“At UACCB, we are committed to ensuring that every student has a clear, supported path to success,” UACCB Chancellor Brian Shonk said. “Our continued participation in the Rural Guided Pathways Project allows us to build on progress, collaborate with peer institutions, and strengthen community partnerships. By focusing on evidence-based reforms tailored to rural students, we aim to improve educational and workforce outcomes and contribute to regional economic growth.”
Phase 1 of the project, which ran from 2022 through 2024, included 16 colleges. Phase 2, set to run from 2025 through 2027, expands participation to 28 colleges, including several that were part of the initial phase.
Participating colleges commit to:
- Enhancing the student experience through structured pathways.
- Increasing credential attainment and helping students transition to living-wage jobs or four-year institutions with junior status.
- Collaborating with key stakeholders to expand economic opportunities in their regions.
- Implementing evidence-based reforms to address inequities and improve educational and workforce outcomes.
The Rural Guided Pathways Project provides a platform for rural community colleges to collaborate on student success initiatives. Leaders of rural institutions often face challenges in adapting strategies that have been effective at urban and suburban colleges. The project offers a structured environment for problem-solving and knowledge-sharing among rural educators.
Community partnerships play a significant role in the initiative. Throughout the three-year project, regional partners are involved in each college’s implementation efforts. Their participation is particularly important in rural areas, where education, economic mobility, and local economies are closely linked.
“We are excited to have UACCB continue its participation in Rural Pathways,” said Gretchen Schmidt, senior fellow at the National Center for Inquiry & Improvement (NCII). “Rural institutions often lack opportunities to address student success and completion challenges unique to their communities. By engaging in Rural Pathways, UACCB is demonstrating its commitment to making lasting improvements in student outcomes.”
NCII leads the project, supported by a team of implementation and leadership coaches and subject matter experts. The organization also collaborates with the Community College Research Center and the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program to provide additional resources for participating colleges.
For more information about the Rural Guided Pathways Project, visit www.ruralguidedpathways.org.
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