Transcend Announces Inaugural Rural Schools Design Community

Communities across the country, August 25, 2021— Transcend, a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to support communities to create and spread extraordinary, equitable learning environments, is proud to announce the launch of a ten-month cohort program to reimagine school in rural communities.  This program includes ten rural school communities from across the country chosen based on their deep-seated commitment to equity and creating strong learning experiences for every young person.

“Historically, rural communities have been left out of opportunities for redesign that support schools to reimagine education for students,” shares Aylon Samouha, Transcend co-founder. “At the same time, our collaborations with school leaders across the country have shown us that so many of our nation’s rural communities want to engage in deep redesign.  These districts are filled with bold school leaders who dream big and take action towards change.  Using the science of learning and development and insights from emerging models, this inaugural cohort will create revolutionary experiences with and for their students and families.” 

At the start of the ten-month program, each school community will identify members of their school or districts to participate. Through this program, school teams work locally to enlist their broader community in shaping the vision for their reimagined school. At the same time, the groups will engage in convenings throughout the year, exploring high impact topics such as generating a community-led school design process to achieve equitable results for all students, understanding the skills and mindsets needed for young people to thrive in and transform the world, how to ensure community aspirations and needs are reflected, and understanding the science of learning and development.

The 2021-2022 Transcend Rural Schools Design Community includes:

• Belgrade Brooten Elrosa Public Schools in Stearns County, Minnesota
• Carlson Elementary in Clear Creek County, Colorado
• Casey County Schools in Casey County, Kentucky
• Clarksdale Municipal School District in Coahoma County, Mississippi
• King Murphy Elementary School in Clear Creek County, Colorado 
• La Honda Pescadero Unified in San Mateo County, California
• McComb School District in Pike County, Mississippi
• Northern Cass School District #97 in Cass County, North Dakota
• Spring Creek School in Todd County, South Dakota
• Tornillo Independent Schools District in El Paso County, Texas

The Rural Schools Design Community  will take place at no cost to participants thanks to a grant and commences in August 2021.

About Transcend

Transcend is a national nonprofit that supports school communities to create and spread extraordinary, equitable learning environments. The organization was founded on a belief that we must reimagine schooling, using a community-driven approach, so all children can realize their infinite potential. Transcend pursues its mission by partnering directly with schools on design journeys while also sharing powerful models, tools and insights across the sector. To date, Transcend has worked directly with hundreds of schools and leaders in over 30 states, and has influenced thousands more. Ultimately, Transcend strives to fuel significant leaps in education so all young people can thrive in and transform the world.

For more information, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter.