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Bridging Education and Industry to Unlock Rural Opportunities

August 5, 2025

According to a new report from the McKinsey Institute for Black Economic Mobility, a strong alignment between educators and employers can help rural communities unlock new opportunities for youth.

The report shows that 63% of the $1 trillion in announced capital investments for advanced manufacturing will occur within 15 miles of rural communities. Whether rural students are prepared to enter these careers may determine the strength of their economic mobility. Many of these jobs may go unfilled without better connections between education and industry.

Partnerships among schools, employers and colleges can ensure students are ready for these opportunities close to home.

Read the full report