The Hechinger Report's article explores the challenges faced by rural students in applying to and attending selective colleges. The focus is on the efforts of the STARS College Network, which aims to increase the number of rural students applying to and attending top-tier universities. The article highlights the personal experiences of rural students, such as Jack Hancock and Olivia Meier, who share their struggles with self-doubt and financial constraints when applying to these schools. It also discusses the importance of rural outreach programs, like the one at Amherst College, which provide rural students with the opportunity to visit campus and learn about the application process. The article emphasizes the need for colleges to build trust with rural students and address their concerns about the benefits of higher education. It also mentions the challenges faced by rural students, such as homesickness and a sense of not belonging, and the higher dropout rates among rural students compared to their urban and suburban counterparts. The article concludes by highlighting the benefits of increasing the number of rural students in college, both for the students and the colleges they attend, and the importance of providing support and resources to rural students to help them succeed in their educational pursuits.
