Beyond the Bricks

North Carolina’s rural counties — which include some of the most economically distressed areas in the state — are losing bright young minds to larger, more urban centers at a fast rate. This “brain drain” hampers population and economic growth. But those rural counties can expect a boost from NC State’s new Rural Works! program, which is designed to address the significant opportunities and challenges in these areas. The Rural Works! internship program offers experiential education for students working with employers in rural counties.