Policy makers and higher ed institutions have worked to provide better opportunities and resources for underserved communities, but access to affordable education and supports for rural students remains challenging. Meanwhile, threats to federal funding for TRIO programs could make it even harder for rural students to get into college and when they get on campus, few institutions understand their specific needs.

Mara Tieken, a professor of education at Bates College whose research centers on racial and educational equity in rural schools and communities, speaks with Inside Higher Ed’s editor in chief Sara Custer about the rural students she followed into an elite institution for her most recent book, how their challenges represent the experiences of many rural students in the country and what support for rural students on campus looks like.

Thanks to the University of Georgia for sponsoring this episode.