CSI Selected for Inaugural Learning Cohort for Rural Serving Institutions
Thursday 2026-07-30
TWIN FALLS, ID – The American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU), in collaboration with Ithaka S+R, recently announced the cohort of institutions participating in the Rural Student Success Network. This new national initiative is designed to strengthen student success and economic mobility at rural-serving colleges and universities.
Supported by a two-year grant from ECMC Foundation’s Rural Impact Initiative, the Rural Student Success Network brings together 17 bachelor's degree-granting, rural-serving institutions. The goals for this cohort include helping community college transfer students complete bachelor's degrees, enrolling and supporting adult learners, and aligning academic offerings with local and regional labor market needs.
Of the institutions selected, the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) was the sole community college to receive the honor. Through this opportunity, CSI plans to leverage the training and the $15,000 subgrant from Ithaka S+R to advance the goals of the Rural Student Success Network. CSI will also continue strengthening pathways from dual credit participation to college enrollment and completion.
“We are honored to be selected for the inaugural Rural Student Success Network and proud to represent community colleges in this cohort,” said Dr. Polly Hulsey, Dean of Student Access and Outreach at the College of Southern Idaho. “As an institution committed to expanding access and opportunity, we recognize the important role rural colleges play in supporting students and strengthening the communities they call home. This opportunity allows us to learn from and collaborate with institutions across the country while sharing the work taking place in Southern Idaho. We are particularly excited to explore new ways to support dual credit students, transfer students, and adult learners as they pursue their educational and career goals. The insights and partnerships developed through this initiative will help us continue building strong pathways for students and responding to the workforce and economic needs of our region.”
Rural-serving colleges and universities play an integral role in providing educational opportunities and powering economic mobility for the students and regions they serve. Collectively, the 17 public, small-to-mid-sized institutions span 12 states, including Idaho, representing the wide diversity of rurality nationwide.