Rural Community and Career–Connected Learning: Impacts of High School Internships Prioritizing People and Place

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Places, Pathways, and Predispositions for Rural College and Career Readiness (Table 7)

Abstract

Two Appalachian Ohio organizations outside the boundaries of formal schooling address issues of youth outmigration and sustainable community development through high school internships. This qualitative interview study, guided by the conceptual framework of community and career connected learning, seeks to fill a gap in the literature where existing studies favor a distinctly urban-centric vantage point or focus on optimizing social mobility and developing transient skills needed to maintain a globalized, unrooted workforce. Previous program participants between one to three years post-high school graduation (n=25) were interviewed and data was analyzed using generalized issue focused analysis. Preliminary findings reveal impacts on students’ career pathways and social capital acquisition. Data indicates the internship positioned participants to reconsider their role within the community.

Authors

• Allison L. Ricket, Ohio University

• Jacqueline Yahn, Ohio University - Eastern

• Emily Bentley, Foundation of Appalachia