The University of Wisconsin–Madison is joining 15 other prominent universities and colleges in a first-of-its-kind effort to help students from small towns and rural communities enroll in college and earn undergraduate degrees.

The Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network will build on existing recruiting efforts and create new pathways for students who might not otherwise recognize the full range of educational options available to them. The effort is funded by a $20 million gift from philanthropist Byron Trott.

“This is a tremendous opportunity to redouble our efforts at recruiting talented students from rural communities and small towns while more broadly contributing to a national network that will open the doors of higher education to students from smaller communities,” UW–Madison Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin says. “By working together, we can build on the best practices at each institution, expand our reach and work to further reduce barriers to access.”

Click here to read the full article.