Rural Brain Drain Threatens Small Towns, Those Left Behind

The brain drain out of rural America has had terrible consequences for small towns, with urban problems now blighting the countryside. Whilst not a new phenomenon, the Chronicle explain that it is reach a tipping point, with too many talented young people leaving. It's a problem "every time a college-educated twenty-something on the verge of becoming a worker, taxpayer, homeowner, or parent leaves."

So who's to blame? Results-driven schools may be neglecting and under-investing in lower-achieving students who are more likely to stay, whilst high-fliers—the brightest and best—are focused on, encouraged to leave, and go off to college. Those who stay, having been neglected, are doomed too often to downward social mobility and poverty. Sociologists Patrick J. Carr and Maria J. Kefalas continue by explaining that the solution may be to equalize education investments, and put more money into post high-school education and community colleges.

Of course, it works the other way too: The National Wildlife Foundation is highlighting the variety of ways that fieldtrips can teach students everything from nutrition to motivation and even reduce attention deficit disorder. Rural America does have some things on its side, now it needs more people to fight its corner.

[Photo credit: newagecrap]