Chambers Selected for Rural Education and Workforce Alignment Program

Rural communities need strong talent pathways that connect education to real jobs and real economic opportunity. Chambers are uniquely positioned to lead that work. 

The ACCE Foundation, in partnership with ECMC Foundation, has selected five chambers to participate in the Rural Postsecondary Attainment & Ecosystem Alignment Program. These chambers serve rural communities and will convene local partners across sectors to improve postsecondary completion rates and strengthen local talent pipelines.  

• Hutto Area Chamber of Commerce (Texas) 
• Livingston County Area Chamber of Commerce (N.Y.) 
• Mint Hill Chamber of Commerce (N.C.) 
• Royal Gorge Chamber Alliance (Colo.) 
• The Chamber of Manitowoc County, Inc. (Wis.) 

Each awardee will receive a $15,000 subgrant along with individualized and group technical assistance to develop a community action plan, a roadmap for how local partners will collaborate to increase postsecondary attainment and align talent development with employer needs.  

“Chambers of commerce have the trust and convening power to bring business, education and community leaders together around the challenges and opportunities shaping the future,” said ACCE President & CEO Sheree Anne Kelly. “Programs like this help chambers move from reacting to change to actively shaping what comes next for their rural communities.” 

Too often, rural communities tackle postsecondary attainment in isolation, with education providers, businesses and nonprofits operating independently rather than in concert. The Rural Postsecondary Attainment & Ecosystem Alignment Program positions chambers as the connective tissue that brings these partners to the table around a shared, locally developed vision for postsecondary success. 

About the ACCE Foundation
The ACCE Foundation was established to fund programming, peer-to-peer learning and leadership development for chamber professionals seeking to create positive change by addressing the issues that challenge the long-term economic health and quality of life in our country’s cities and towns. At the forefront of our work is the belief that a growing, inclusive economy provides meaningful employment opportunities and thriving communities for all residents.