What's Your Impact Episode with Gretchen Schmidt, PhD, Charles Lloyd, Ed.D. & Mark S. Bonta

In this special What's Your Impact? Episode, Michelle begins with a review of the multi-episode series "Pathways and Policies to Ensure Rural Learners Succeed in Place and Why it's Essential for America's Future" and "The Impact of Postsecondary Education on Jobs and Rural Economic Vitality" made possible by Ascendium. Michelle shares the key takeaways from each episode, including the contributions of the 15 guests, and introduces the inspirational work of the Rural Guided Pathways Project.

First, Michelle interviews Dr. Gretchen Schmidt, Senior Fellow at the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement (NCII). Gretchen is a national leader in higher education transformation, focusing on issues of guided pathways and rural student success at NCII. Before joining NCII in 2020, Gretchen led the design and implementation of the American Association of Community Colleges' Pathways Project 1.0 and 2.0 with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Through that work, she helped develop a national model for scaling guided pathways reform. Michelle and Gretchen discuss the Rural Guided Pathways Project, including the vital role of rural community colleges in enhancing access to education and economic opportunities. They explore the implementation of evidence-based reforms aimed at removing barriers for students, particularly those from underserved backgrounds. The conversation highlights the importance of equity, leadership, and community collaboration in fostering a supportive educational environment that prepares students for successful careers.

In the second half of the episode, Michelle is joined by Dr. Chuck Lloyd, who serves as the Vice Chancellor of the Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH). Dr. Lloyd most recently served as President of White Mountains Community College (WMCC) and maintained successive positions in CCSNH for over twenty years. Lloyd's time within CCSNH has included service in student life, enrollment management, academic administration and instruction, coaching, and leadership research.

Mark S. Bonta, Executive Director for Recover Jobs Foundation, joins Michelle and Dr. Lloyd. Mark has 30 years of manufacturing experience and was the Plant Director of Kamik Outdoor Footwear in Littleton, New Hampshire, for over 20 years. During that time, he served on the local Chamber of Commerce board, the local Public Health Network, the State of NH Advisory Council for the Recovery-Friendly Workplace Initiative, and partnered with (WMCC) for the Rural Guided Pathways Project.

Chuck, Mark, and Michelle discuss the impact of The Rural Guided Pathways Project's effect on WMCC and their community. This conversation explores the demographics of students served, the importance of engaging local employers, and the impact of customized training programs. They emphasize the need for a shift in mindset regarding education and workforce development, scalability of successful models, and the personal journeys of individuals pursuing higher education. Advocacy for community colleges is highlighted as a crucial element for sustaining these initiatives, as well as the critical importance of building relationships with stakeholders.

This episode of The Rural Impact podcast is sponsored by Ascendium. Ascendium believes that learning after high school has the power to transform lives. Driven by this belief, their philanthropy focuses on systemic change to elevate opportunity for learners from low-income backgrounds. Ascendium has a special interest in elevating rural postsecondary education and workforce training. They fund research and resources that can be used to ensure more rural learners have pathways to good jobs that lead to upward mobility. Want to connect with Ascendium? Visit their website at ascendiumphilanthropy.org, sign up for their newsletter, and follow them on social media.

To learn more about The Rural Guided Pathways Project visit: .css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}