Rural Learning Network

The Georgia Partnership established the Rural Learning Network (RLN) to increase connections to and among smaller communities across the state. The RLN provides a space to disseminate and amplify best practices in growing educational attainment and economic development, especially in Georgia’s hardest to reach communities.

Education, business, nonprofit, and community leaders in rural and non-metro communities connect to build local capacity and statewide partnerships addressing shared opportunities and challenges. The group is multisector and geographically diverse – anyone committed to serving and strengthening the communities of rural and non-metro Georgia is invited to join.

The RLN has monthly meetings on second Fridays, 1-2 pm. The meetings remain virtual, to allow participation from across the state. Meetings are centered around various topics that impact or are impacted by the birth-to-work pipeline, for example mental health challenges and supports, serving foster care populations in non-metro communities, supporting first generation college students, addressing housing shortages, increasing early learning access to support children, families, and industry, etc.

Joining the network gives you access to these ongoing conversations as well as to the notes, resources, and relevant opportunities or information that come out of the meeting. Members share their own news, opportunities, events, or other resources. State-wide organizations often connect with the RLN to increase their outreach and stretch their resources and services into rural communities. Finally, the Georgia Partnership relies on the RLN to inform and support statewide policy platforms such as EdQuest and the Top Ten Issues to Watch.