Webinar: Moving Back to Rural America: Why Some Return Home and Why It Matters

Hundreds of rural communities face the difficult challenge of adjusting to dwindling populations. High school graduates leave for college or good-paying jobs, and only a small number return. However, those who do return often bring spouses and young children back with them, along with education and skills gained elsewhere. Findings discussed in this webinar come from interviews with returnees and non-returnees conducted at high school reunions in 21 rural communities. Decisions to return or not return to rural communities hinged heavily on family connections and evaluations of local school systems.