Rural Innovation Toolkit
July 29, 2022

 

 

Welcome to the Rural Collaborative Toolkit

We built this toolkit is to guide rural stakeholders through the planning, designing, implementation, and sustaining success phases of creating and managing rural school collaboratives, while providing valuable resources and support from technical assistance providers. The toolkit is divided into six chapters that outline the key phases of work, plus a chapter dedicated to useful tools and resources. Finally, there is a summary of the technical assistance providers that have supported the RSIZ over the last two years.

Users can read through the in a number of different ways:

  • LIKE A NOVEL Read all sections in order and use each resource in a choreographed manner. This approach is best for districts/regions in the early stages of planning and visioning.
  • LIKE AN ENCYCLOPEDIA Read the introduction, then start with the sections that align with where your district/region is on the collaborative process. This approach is best for districts/regions already in the planning phase.
  • LIKE A TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE This approach works for already established Innovation Zones that need reminders or answers to questions that come up in the implementation process.

The Colorado Rural Collaborative Guide is designed to raise awareness and support rural communities in expanding college and career pathways through regional partnerships. Rural Collaboratives serve as intermediary organizations that bring together school districts, higher education institutions, and employers to create shared opportunities for students.

This guide covers:

  • The benefits of forming a Rural Collaborative
  • Examples of collaborative services that design, expand, and enhance pathways
  • Governance models and sustainable funding strategies
  • Lessons from the field

By fostering cross-sector partnerships, Rural Collaboratives can improve student outcomes and strengthen local economies. This resource offers actionable strategies and real-world examples to help rural leaders navigate the process of building and sustaining collaborative efforts.