rootEd Alliance helps rural high school students achieve career success and strengthens America’s skilled workforce. 

What We Do

Since 2018, rootEd Alliance has placed dedicated career advisors in rural high schools to support seniors to define and realize their career goals, whether through a college degree, workforce credentials, apprenticeship, or military service. By partnering with communities, states, and employers, rootEd advisors help close workforce gaps and drive rural economic prosperity. 

To date, rootEd advisors have supported nearly 90,000 students across 280 rural high schools in six states, including Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Alaska, Idaho, and Tennessee.

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Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Communities

Today, 9.5 million students live in rural communities, representing a vital segment of the future workforce and a powerful source of talent and innovation for the U.S. economy. 

  • 72%

    Most jobs will require education or training beyond high school. 

    By 2031, 72% of U.S. jobs will require education or training beyond high school. 

  • 1 in 4

    Businesses in rural communities are struggling to hire and retain talent.

    1 in 4 businesses in rural America report difficulties finding qualified workers. 65% of manufacturers cite attracting or retaining workers as their top business challenge. 

  • 20%

    Rural regions are home to a growing share of essential and fast-growing industries.

    20% of manufacturing plants are in rural counties. Data centers, renewable energy, and other fast-growing industries are increasingly located in rural areas. 

  • 1.9M

    This talent gap underscores both a workforce challenge and an economic opportunity.

    1.9 million manufacturing jobs will likely go unfilled, costing the US economy up to $1T in GDP annually

The opportunity is clear:

With the right support, rural students have the potential to step into in-demand careers and fuel local economies.

That’s where rootEd advisors come in: to ensure that every rural student graduates with a clear plan for their future, the support to pursue it, and the skills that America’s workforce needs.

Our Impact