Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) Program

Sponsoring Agency:

• Department of Education
• Funding: $1,714,424
• Grant Timeline: 10/1/24-9/30/28

The Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) Program is a federal initiative designed to strengthen the capacity of rural-serving colleges and universities to support regional workforce and economic development. The program invests in innovative strategies that expand access to high-quality education and training aligned with local industry needs, with a particular focus on high-demand and emerging career pathways.

Through RPED funding, institutions enhance academic programming, modernize instructional delivery, strengthen employer partnerships, and expand student support services to improve retention, completion, and employment outcomes. The program also promotes collaboration among colleges and K-12 partners for dual enrollment and degree attainment, workforce agencies, community organizations, and industry partners to create sustainable solutions that address workforce shortages and stimulate economic growth in rural communities.

By leveraging RPED resources, institutions are better positioned to provide affordable, accessible pathways that connect students to meaningful careers while advancing the long-term economic vitality of the regions they serve.

Project Objectives:

• Develop clear, easy to understand pathways for in-demand careers in the MTC service area, including stackable workplace credentials, short-term certificates, and prior learning assessments
• Improve career awareness and communication about career pathways for rural high school students
• Procure necessary technology for rural students to succeed in college
• Establish technology lending program including laptops, hot spots, and hot spot subscriptions
• Improve Financial Aid Education programming to educate rural students about FAFSA completion and scholarship opportunities
• Improve transfer process and partnerships with four-year colleges and universities
• Create rural student support evaluation to determine the unique needs of the rural student population
• Provide National Student Clearinghouse access to rural high school districts to enable them to collect and track student enrollment data after high school graduation