#  NCRERN presents findings from postsecondary diagnostics and readiness pilots at 49th Annual AEFP Conference 

 





March 16, 2024

 

 

**(BALTIMORE)** — The National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN) presented at the 49th Annual Association for Education Finance & Policy (AEFP) Conference, [Engaging The Education Ecosystem To Improve Research Relevance and Use](https://aefpweb.org/conference).

## **Supporting Postsecondary Readiness in Rural Districts**

Given changing labor market demands, identifying methods for improving student postsecondary outcomes has become a priority for schools nationwide. The importance of implementing successful postsecondary preparation interventions is particularly salient in rural districts, where unique community characteristics such as geographic isolation and lower tax bases may exacerbate challenges related to students’ transitions into adulthood.

Research Analyst Sativa Thompson presented NCRERN’s work partnering with 28 rural districts to test two interventions aimed at improving students’ postsecondary readiness: Student Success Planning and Career Exposure.

The presentation, “Supporting Postsecondary Readiness in Rural Districts: Experimental Evidence from a Rural Research Network,” was part of a [paper panel](https://virtual.oxfordabstracts.com/#/event/4542/session/96493) on supporting postsecondary readiness through career-oriented programs.

#### [READ THE OVERVIEW](https://ncrern.provingground.cepr.harvard.edu/sites/hwpi.harvard.edu/files/ncrern/files/ncrern_supporting_postsecondary_readiness_in_rural_districts.docx?m=1711650616)

## **Trends in Postsecondary Transitions in Rural Areas**

In a [poster presentation](https://virtual.oxfordabstracts.com/#/event/4542/session/71214)—“Trends in Postsecondary Transitions in Rural Areas: A Descriptive Analysis from a Rural Research Network”— Research Analyst Dean Kaplan presented NCRERN’s work studying rural students’ postsecondary aspirations and outcomes.

Drawing on rich administrative, survey, and public institutional data from a network of over 30 rural schools in New York and Ohio, this research attempts to shine a light on the too-often overlooked spatial variations in opportunities and outcomes.

#### [READ THE OVERVIEW](https://ncrern.provingground.cepr.harvard.edu/sites/hwpi.harvard.edu/files/ncrern/files/ncrern_trends_in_postsecondary_transitions_in_rural_areas.docx?m=1711650664)

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*In April, NCRERN Director Jenn Ash, Senior Research Program Manager Kellie Solowski, and Research Analyst Sativa Thompson will be presenting at the 2024 Rural Summit hosted by Partners for Rural Impact in Lexington, KY (April 29th – May 1st).*

*Their session,* [*Making Data Actionable: Generating & Using Rural Evidence for Continuous Improvement*](https://web.cvent.com/event/caec6588-98be-41fc-a1b4-d8ca65824869/websitePage:e23dd878-4ad2-45a9-9e6f-bfbc126637bd)*, will be held on Tuesday, April 30th at 11am.*

***This spring, NCRERN will publish its postsecondary pilot results.*** [***Subscribe to the NCRERN mailing list*** ](https://harvard.us10.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=fddc7d065f0875c27404af0f3&id=d9935b2cf4)***to be the first to know.***



 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ Blog ](/news-type/insights)
- [ Research Initiatives for College and Career Success (RICCS) ](/projects/research-initiatives-college-and-career-success-riccs)
- [ National Center for Rural Education Research Networks (NCRERN) ](/projects/national-center-rural-education-research-networks-ncrern)
- [ 2024 ](/year/2024)
 
 

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