In the third episode of the new series, 2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts, Michelle sat down with Dreama Gentry, President and CEO of Partners for Rural Impact, a national intermediary that mobilizes rural leaders, strengthens the capacity of rural organizations, and activates policymakers and philanthropic partners to ensure the 14 million children and youth living in rural America are on a path to upward mobility. Partners for Rural Impact has eight offices nationwide and 350+ employees with an annual budget of $60+ million.
Michelle and Dreama discuss the challenges and opportunities in rural education, particularly focusing on the impact of federal funding and discretionary grants. They explore the importance of these funds in supporting educational programs, addressing persistent poverty, and ensuring equity in education. Dreama shares how Partners for Rural Impact is increasing access to high-quality programs and supports to improve outcomes for children in rural America, from kindergarten readiness to reading and math proficiency to college and career readiness.
The discussion highlights the need for advocacy, storytelling, and collaboration among rural communities to sustain and improve educational outcomes for young people. Gentry emphasizes the critical role of local support and the economic implications of funding freezes, how collaboration among rural organizations strengthens advocacy efforts, and how every young person deserves unhindered pathways to upward mobility.
Resources:
To learn more about Partners for Rural Impact work visit: https://partnersrural.org/
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