Document Type
Poster Session
Department
Business
Faculty Mentor
Dr. Emily Newell
Keywords
Social capital, workforce development, rural economy
Abstract
The objective of this project is to create a model of and mechanism for statewide, systematic data collection to support workforce development pathways for P-20 students in rural Maine to ensure the long-term vitality and success of these communities. Businesses, as sites of financial and social capital development, can be more thoughtfully calibrated to local workforce needs in these communities. However, data is not currently made available to businesses and community leaders that would allow them to make thoughtful decisions about how to use community resources and time in order to create these partnerships. Businesses and economic growth in rural communities are intertwined–the development of the community is intrinsically linked to the success of its small businesses, and without qualified and educated workers businesses cannot thrive (Bird, Sapp, & Lee, 2001; Schafft, 2016; Tigges & Green, 1994). Despite challenges in providing a quality education and business opportunities, these communities still have the potential to be successful in the long-term. Through a series of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in two rural Maine communities the researchers will utilize their preliminary research to gain a deeper understanding of the towns and collect data through the interviews in order to aid the economic development of businesses in the communities.
Included in
Adult and Continuing Education Commons, Business Administration, Management, and Operations Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Leadership Commons, Education Economics Commons, Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations Commons, Marketing Commons, Recreation Business Commons, Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons, Tourism and Travel Commons
Creating a Healthy Rural Ecosystem for Community Vitality: Developing Rural Community Business Research
The objective of this project is to create a model of and mechanism for statewide, systematic data collection to support workforce development pathways for P-20 students in rural Maine to ensure the long-term vitality and success of these communities. Businesses, as sites of financial and social capital development, can be more thoughtfully calibrated to local workforce needs in these communities. However, data is not currently made available to businesses and community leaders that would allow them to make thoughtful decisions about how to use community resources and time in order to create these partnerships. Businesses and economic growth in rural communities are intertwined–the development of the community is intrinsically linked to the success of its small businesses, and without qualified and educated workers businesses cannot thrive (Bird, Sapp, & Lee, 2001; Schafft, 2016; Tigges & Green, 1994). Despite challenges in providing a quality education and business opportunities, these communities still have the potential to be successful in the long-term. Through a series of semi-structured interviews with stakeholders in two rural Maine communities the researchers will utilize their preliminary research to gain a deeper understanding of the towns and collect data through the interviews in order to aid the economic development of businesses in the communities.
