Rural Students Trapped in the Digital Divide as Tech Majors Flourish

Colleges are witnessing a surge in technology majors, but unfortunately, rural students are being left behind when it comes to accessing the expanding, lucrative fields.

According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, between 2018 and 2022, there was a 23 percent increase in “Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services” majors, rising from 423,315 to 518,844.

However, rural students face two significant challenges: limited internet access and educational opportunities in technology.

The National Center for Education Statistics reported that in 2019, only 76 percent of rural students had fixed broadband internet access at home compared to 79 percent in towns, 80 percent in cities, and 87 percent in suburban areas.

Recognizing this issue, the White House recently introduced the “Online for All” initiative, which aims to bridge the digital divide by collaborating with over 300 national and community organizations.

Vice President Harris emphasized the importance of high-speed internet, deeming it a necessity rather than a luxury in the 21st century.

The “Online for All” campaign includes directing people towards the Affordable Connectivity Program, established under the bipartisan infrastructure bill. Currently, more than 18.5 million households benefit from this program, saving over $500 million per month on high-speed internet bills.

However, the challenges for rural students extend beyond internet access. They lack the necessary technology education available in other areas.

While urban and suburban schools frequently offer coding and robotics programs, many rural schools struggle to provide computer science classes. Chris Sanders, director of the Rural Technology Fund, reminisces about his own limited access to computer science education while growing up in rural Kentucky.

The Rural Technology Fund has been instrumental in bridging this gap by sponsoring scholarships and tech education in rural communities, benefiting over 170,000 students across more than 800 schools.

Despite the need for these programs, funding remains a significant issue, compounded by the difficulty of recruiting and retaining technology-focused educators due to pay disparities between rural and urban areas.

The lack of access to technology programs and training in rural schools is evidently hindering opportunities for students. Allen Pratt, executive director of the National Rural Education Association, stresses the importance of expanding these opportunities, particularly in an era where many activities can be conducted online.

Unfortunately, the challenges faced by rural students persist even after high school. Only 21.1 percent of the rural population earned a college degree in 2021, compared to 35.7 percent in non-rural areas.

Furthermore, once rural students enter college, they are less likely to pursue or stick with technology majors. Sanders notes that many drop out or change majors within the first year, feeling inadequate compared to their peers from urban and suburban backgrounds who have received better preparation in the field.

However, the field of technology holds immense potential for rural communities. The shift towards remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, allows individuals in the tech industry to live wherever they choose while enjoying well-paying careers. Sanders believes that rural students entering tech jobs can positively impact their communities by circulating their income locally, ultimately benefiting everyone.

Despite the obstacles, there is optimism for rural students to catch up, especially given their resourcefulness, resilience, and industrious nature. Amy Azano, the director of the Center for Rural Education at Virginia Tech, expresses confidence in the abilities of rural individuals to adapt and thrive.

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