Kickstarting 2025: Embracing AI Mindfully for Rural America’s Future

Michael Ammaturo and Noosh’Anna, co-founders of Bendicoot As we stand at the beginning of the AI-powered era, the stakes are clear: those who master AI’s potential will lead, while those who don’t risk being left behind. This is especially true for the 46 million rural Americans whose economic vitality depends on proactive adaptation. Join us […]

Rural on the Rocks

Marriott Marquis, Washington, D.C.

In concert with ACCT, RCCA invites community college leaders to a dynamic event that combines networking and policy discussions with government officials and rural-serving programs. Think of it as a college fair meets networking reception—attendees will have the chance to connect with federal program officials, legislators, rural-focused organizations, and fellow college leaders, all while enjoying […]

Alliance Learning Series: Building a Thriving Rural Economy: Strategies for Empowering Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

Jessica Newhall, Director of the Center for Business, Community & Professional Development and Associate Director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Clatsop Community College   Strengthening rural economic development requires a robust ecosystem that cultivates entrepreneurship and drives small business success. In this session, we’ll explore how Clatsop Community College's SBDC is making […]

Alliance Learning Series: Tight Budgets and Maximizing Marketing ROI

Taylor Mims, Marketing Specialist, Conferences and Events at CARNEGIE Kristy Phillips, Senior Director, Client Success at CARNEGIE Katie Sentissi, VP of Integrated Paid Media at CARNEGIE   Our session will focus on strategies for making every marketing dollar count in today’s tight budget environments. Designed with rural colleges in mind, this session will show how […]

Alliance Learning Series: Impact Now – How to Maximize Your Board’s Impact on the College and Community

Joseph E. April, Principal, Forty-One Consulting, LLC John J. Rainone, Ed.D., CFRE, President, Mountain Gateway Community College (VA)   Designed specifically for small to mid-sized community colleges, this webinar provides tailored strategies to help boards and leadership teams elevate their impact on both their institutions and the communities they serve. Community college presidents, advancement staff, […]

Alliance Learning Series; Overcoming Geographic Barriers: Best Practices in Rural Recruitment

Desiree Noah, MBA, Chief Human Resources Officer, Western Oregon University    This interactive webinar will equip HR professionals and department heads at rural institutions with actionable strategies to enhance recruitment and retention efforts. Participants will explore tailored approaches for attracting talent in rural settings, learn innovative recruitment techniques—including digital outreach and local partnerships—and develop retention […]

Gen Z and Apprenticeships

Unlock the potential of Generation Z in shaping the future of apprenticeships with our webinar, "Engaging GenZ: The Power of Youth in Program Development and Mentorship".  This dynamic session explores why involving youth—particularly GenZ, with their digital fluency, innovative mindset, and passion for impact—is crucial to designing apprenticeships that resonate and succeed. We’ll dive into […]

2025 Annual Conference

East Central College 1964 Prairie Dell Road, Union, MO, United States

Tickets HERE View the conference schedule HERE Join us in Union, Missouri, from September 17–19, 2025, for the Rural Community College Alliance’s national conference. This year’s theme, Gateway to the Best: Show Me Rural Excellence, celebrates the innovation, resilience, and impact of rural community colleges across the country. Connect with educators, leaders, and advocates as […]

Supporting Rural Students Together: RCCA and WGU Partnership Launch

Join RCCA and Western Governors University (WGU) for an inside look at our new partnership designed to expand opportunities for rural learners. Through this collaboration, graduates and employees of RCCA member colleges gain seamless transfer pathways into WGU’s online degree and certificate programs, application fee waivers, and access to the Community College Partner Scholarship—valued at […]

Rural Community College Economic and Workforce Development in Iowa

Iowa's 15 community colleges are classified as rural.  The rural community college serves as a mechanism for economic and workforce development in the communities they serve.  This presentation will provide an overview and discussion of innovative economic and workforce development programs at Iowa community colleges, their purpose and function, and funding mechanisms.  The programs include […]

Cultivating Place-Based Civic Leadership Among Students

Zoe Jenkins will lead an engaging webinar that will share how the program leads to transformative change by enpowering students to become leaders in a vareitey of ways. Civics Unplugged is shaping young leaders to build the future they want to live in by training them in the principles of civic innovation. The organization provides […]

Reading the Future: Strategic Foresight, Weak Signals, and Building a Future-Focused Institution

What Strategic Foresight Is and Why It MattersThis webinar introduces strategic foresight and how it differs from traditional planning—highlighting why it’s a powerful tool for rural community colleges navigating enrollment shifts, funding volatility, and rapid technological change. Participants will learn to recognize major drivers shaping higher education, spot “weak signals” of emerging change, and apply […]

Sign Up for Our Email Newsletter

Copyright © 2021 Rural Community College Alliance | All Rights Reserved | Web Design by Hoegger Communications