Ms. Karen Mix is the co-director of CS4NorCal, a five-year research grant that supports K-12 computer science training. We discussed the various ways this program has supported computer science programs in rural schools, as well as the role of partnerships within the six counties in Northern California for professional development. We also discussed how schools can find funding for these programs and how the curriculum can be implemented at various levels and programs. 

Thank you to our partners and NREA State Affiliates the Nebraska Rural Community Schools Association (NRCSA) for sharing this perspective of NREA Executive Director Dr. Allen Pratt with The Lincoln Journal Star. Dr. Pratt shares the impact that a voucher program in Nebraska's LB1402 legislation would have on rural schools in Nebraska, citing not only his experience as a Tennessee rural educator but also data from similar past initiatives.

Each year, the National Rural Education Association (NREA) and Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC) partner to present the National Signature Project Award, a grant program for innovative classroom projects that exemplify the very best in place-based education. The program awards one outstanding rural educator with up to a $2,500 grant and two additional rural teachers with up to $1,500.

In addition to the awarded funds, the NREA and RSC will compensate all of the awardees' travel and registration fees for their attendance to National Forum to Advance Rural Education!

This program is open to any rural classroom teacher in the United States, and we strongly encourage teachers who come from under-represented backgrounds to apply. The application deadline is May 5, 2024.