IEBC is bringing Caring Campus to rural colleges and universities nationwide with support from an ECMC Foundation grant, helping students to successfully navigate the transition to college life by establishing a sense of belonging and connection on campus.
Rural colleges often face unique challenges with student persistence and success. Students from rural, tight-knit communities may experience culture shock and feel disconnected when transitioning to a new campus environment. Caring Campus provides staff and faculty with the tools and resources needed to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students.
“IEBC’s success with this grant goes to show that rural postsecondary institutions are hungry for this type of support,” Sowl said. “Creating a sense of belonging and connection is correlated to persistence and completion for rural learners. It’s incredibly important work, particularly with rural institutions.”
Sowl said that rural colleges often lack resources for professional development opportunities available in larger urban areas, which can affect student retention and success. Through Caring Campus, IEBC brings these opportunities directly to rural campuses, overcoming these barriers.
Launched in September 2023, IEBC’s ECMC Foundation grant allows for 18 Caring Campus implementations at rural colleges and universities. These efforts have already reached 11 institutions, with one slot remaining, ahead of the grant’s end date of February 28, 2026. IEBC expects to complete the work as early as Fall 2025, highlighting the commitment of rural colleges to supporting student success.
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