Vanderbilt University recognizes our responsibility and commitment to rural students, families, and educators. Because of our location in Tennessee, a top-five state for percentage of rural high school students, we are uniquely positioned to work with these talented students who live in our own backyard. To elevate and empower rural populations, Vanderbilt has implemented a comprehensive, integrated statewide outreach plan including on-the-ground outreach, programming on the Vanderbilt campus, webinars, and professional development opportunities for rural educators. We know that students who live in small towns and rural areas play a unique role at Vanderbilt as we dare to grow!
In Tennessee, rural students make up 29 percent of the population; compared to the national median, our state has three rural students to one. We have a responsibility to engage with these students and their families to help them prepare for college and understand their options, whether they choose Vanderbilt or not. We must also ensure that the rural students admitted to Vanderbilt have no doubt that they belong here when they arrive on our campus.
