Rural Sites Network

Resource Description

In 1992, the National Writing Project launched the Rural Sites Network after learning of the challenges faced by educators in small rural towns. Struggling to innovate and implement school reforms, reverse population declines and school closings, and maintain extra-curricular programs, rural teachers needed support and a place to come together to tackle these challenges.

The National Writing Project teamed up with the Annenberg Foundation’s Rural Challenge in 1996 to create the first of many collaborative efforts, the Rural Voices, Country Schools project. This initial project provided teachers with the resources necessary to increase community engagement and place-based learning in their rural schools.

Through numerous projects and programs, the Rural Sites Network provides rural educators with resources to promote the celebration of place-based education and strengthen their schools.

These projects include:

1. Rural Voices, Country Schools (1996-1999): This program encouraged 48 teachers in rural schools, spanning six states, to produce writing programs, oral history projects, and exhibits that celebrated the roots of their communities. These projects fostered dialogue within communities about the current realities and future goals of their schools.
2. Rural Voices Radio (1999-2003): Produced in thirty-minute programs by award-winning Debroah Begel, Rural Voices Radio broadcasted writing, sounds, and music from rural towns all over America, giving listeners a glimpse into the unique culture of each focus area. Also a teaching resource, educators used the model to inspire writing exercises.
3. Celebrating Rural Poetry (2006): This project encouraged local sites to apply for “minigrants” of $3,000 to support and promote young poets in rural communities to write about their beloved towns. Eight towns participated, producing poetry curriculums, competitions, and readings that focused on their community’s character and unique background.
4. The Rural Sites Network sponsors events, workshops, and seminars, providing resources for rural towns all over the nation to increase their place-based education and celebration of their own community character. These broadcasts and projects allow listeners and participants to experience the power of these communities and celebrate strength of rural America.

The Rural Sites Network continues to grow and inspire rural towns all across America to celebrate their unique communities and integrate place-based learning into their schools.