• Travel from a “Rust Belt” city through rural communities, staying at local lodges or with local families along the way. Assist with projects at residences and in the community.
• Learn about the history of the region and challenges facing those who have lived their whole lives in the region. Visit a senior center to discuss the difficulties of establishing proper elder care in under resourced communities.
• Sit in on class at a local school and learn about the structure of rural education systems.
• Tour a healthcare clinic with a local nurse to talk about disparities in access to healthcare and insurance.
• Sit down with a local politician to discuss the relationship between federal and state authorities, and remote communities.
• Hear a presentation from young adults on how a new generation experiences growing up in impoverished rural America.
• Head to a local church for services and a discussion with members on the role of faith in coping with crisis.
• Meet a law enforcement officer to learn about their community’s battles with crime, violence, and addiction, and the prevalence of these issues in more impoverished areas of the region.
• Share a meal with a local mining family and learn about the history of coal-mining in Appalachia, and how the industry is changing today.
• Enjoy time for reflection on a hike with overnight camping along the scenic Appalachian Trail, or set off on an exhilarating white-water rafting excursion.
Relevant themes include community development, social justice, humanitarian studies, manufacturing, industrial engineering, public administration, American history, sociology, anthropology, humanities, education, economics, pre-medicine and nursing, psychology, leadership studies, law, criminal justice, family studies, social work.
