Nurturing Local Talent: EOU’s Initiatives to Keep Skills in Eastern Oregon

Nurturing Local Talent

EOU’s Initiatives to Keep Skills in Eastern Oregon

Eastern Oregon University (EOU) has partnered with local organizations to tackle the challenge of “brain drain” in rural areas. This webpage explores the university’s innovative strategies to keep educated individuals within eastern Oregon, ensuring local communities benefit from their talents and skills.

The Challenge of Brain Drain

Brain drain refers to the phenomenon where individuals leave rural areas for larger cities in search of better educational and career opportunities. This migration often leaves rural communities with a shortage of skilled professionals and hampers economic development.

The Rural Engagement & Vitality Center (REV Center)

EOU’s central initiative in combating brain drain is the establishment of the REV Center, a collaborative effort with Wallowa Resources. The center is focused on economic and community development projects across eastern Oregon, engaging students through internships and providing them with real-world experience in their local context.

Key Initiatives

  • Community Development Projects: Students participate in initiatives that directly impact their communities, such as regional socioeconomic analyses and projects aimed at improving local infrastructure.
  • Professional Exposure: Internships and partnerships with local businesses provide students with career opportunities within their communities, highlighting the potential for professional fulfillment locally.

Educational Programs

EOU has developed several programs aimed at fostering a deeper connection between students and their local areas:

  • Dual Enrollment: High school students can enroll in university courses, earning college credits and accelerating their educational journey.
  • Early College Initiatives: These initiatives offer students insights into college life and the benefits of staying in the region post-graduation.

Economic Development

Through strategic partnerships, EOU supports local economic development, offering students pathways to contribute to and benefit from their communities’ growth:

  • Career Fairs and Networking: Events connect students with local employers, revealing the breadth of opportunities available in their home regions.
  • Specialized Training Programs: Programs like the agriculture entrepreneurship focus on experiential learning relevant to local industries.

Impact and Future Directions

The efforts of EOU and the REV Center have begun to change perceptions about the viability of rural areas for young professionals. By integrating educational programs with community development, EOU is helping to create a sustainable model for rural vitality.

  • Continued Collaboration: EOU plans to expand its partnerships and increase the scope of its initiatives, ensuring that more students can see the potential in their rural homes.

Featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education: Battling Brain Drain at EOU

Eastern Oregon University’s innovative strategies to counteract brain drain have been prominently featured in a case study by The Chronicle of Higher Education. This recognition highlights the university’s commitment to addressing rural workforce challenges through educational and community initiatives.

Download the case study and Discover the Eastern Edge!

Contact Us

For more information on EOU’s efforts or to get involved, please contact us . Your support can help sustain our mission to revitalize rural eastern Oregon.