Nurturing STEM talent in rural settings

Rural students tend to face a number of challenges that can keep them from pursuing college degrees and careers in STEM fields. For example, they are less likely than their urban and suburban counterparts to have family members or neighbors who work in STEM fields and can serve as role models. Their schools tend to receive less outreach from industry representatives who can provide students with early exposure to STEM careers. The smaller the school the harder it may be for students with STEM-related interests to find like-minded peers. Further, many under-resourced rural districts are unable to offer the advanced math and science courses that college STEM programs treat as prerequisites. And, even if their schools do provide those courses, rural students may worry that pursuing a STEM career will require them to leave their hometowns to obtain the necessary credential and find meaningful work, since many STEM jobs are found closer to a city hub. Here, Lakin et al discuss the advantages to living in a rural community and how rural educators can build on these assets and provide more and better opportunities for their students to excel in the STEM subjects.