Introduction

Young people need both cross-cutting skills and specialized knowledge to thrive in our rapidly changing economy, and business and industry leaders require fresh talent to innovate and grow. Pathways are a strategy to connect education with careers to meet the needs of youth, educators, and employers and create a more thriving and equitable economy. College and career pathways expand economic opportunity for all young people and meet regional talent needs. This forward-looking approach depends on strong cross-sector partnerships that mobilize K-12 and postsecondary education, workforce and economic development, policymakers, and businesses, bringing together diverse stakeholders to build a future that works.

Pathways that respond to the unique needs of—and opportunities in—rural communities are a critical strategy to support youth and advance economic development. This framework outlines key considerations and promising strategies for pathways leaders who seek to achieve equitable outcomes for youth while strengthening rural communities.

2. Prioritize Inclusive Economic Development

Pathways contribute to talent pipelines that align with regional labor markets and adapt to internal and/or external shocks. Rural communities can create strong economies that work for everyone by adopting strategies that encourage resilience and advance shared prosperity.

Promising Strategies

	Focus on quality jobs.
	Embracing quality job strategies in pathways plans is a route to addressing common challenges in rural communities, including a limited employer base and the prevalence of jobs that do not pay living wages. This can include working with business and industry partners to make existing jobs quality jobs, as well as strategies for developing a skilled talent pipeline for industries such as health care and manufacturing that offer quality jobs and often operate in rural areas but struggle to find qualified workers. Strong talent pipelines can also attract new employers and create new career opportunities for community residents.
	Ensure an inclusive process and outcomes.
	Collaboration and partnerships can drive an approach to economic development that addresses both community and industry needs instead of setting them up in opposition to each other. Inclusive processes that engage diverse community perspectives—including those of learners, workers, and employers—ensure that pathways strengthen communities and economies and lead to more equitable outcomes.
	Invest in local assets.
	Pathways can be an important component of economic development strategies that drive growth by investing locally. Cross-sector partners can collaboratively set investment priorities benefiting community members and utilizing existing assets, such as location, environmental resources, and local industries. This approach to economic development yields long-term gains by building vibrant communities that retain existing residents and attract new ones.