Up North Michigan, schools struggle between pull of home and promise of college
Rural schools in northern Michigan face challenges in encouraging students to pursue higher education, despite the potential for better-paying jobs. Many students prefer to stay in their local communities, where they can work in fields like welding or agriculture, rather than leaving for college.
In northern Michigan, rural schools struggle to balance the desire for students to attend college with the appeal of staying in their local communities. The region has high levels of poverty and low levels of college education. About 1 in 16 students in Michigan attend rural schools with under 1,000 students. These schools tend to have poorer students who are less likely to go to college. Students often prefer career tech fields like carpentry or welding. Life outside of school comes with extra challenges, such as limited access to healthcare and long drives to see doctors or dentists. Rural schools often lack resources, including advanced placement classes and internet access.
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