The PROPEL Rural Scholars program provides students interested in rural Georgia the opportunity to work alongside a Public Service and Outreach mentor and community leaders to work on and implement relevant research to communities. The two semester program will equip future leaders with the knowledge and experience to take roles in economic development, community development, and civic leadership.
The scholars program is part of the PROPEL (Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership) program that is led by the Carl Vinson Institute of Government. The program guides rural cities and counties through a six-step model to develop and implement a plan to advance their economies. It helps communities build resiliency and capacity for long-term economic success.
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Lead With Us! |
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Applications due: April 14, 2023 |
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How it Works |
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The program was created through a generous donation from the UGA Foundation as well as a USDA Grant. PROPEL communities embark on a two-year journey working with a core team of community leaders along with coaches from the Archway Partnership, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, Small Business Development Center, and Fanning Institute for Leadership Development. They learn to analyze economic and labor market data and identity community resources that could drive growth in the community. Scholars will work alongside PROPEL communities and faculty. |
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The Rural Scholars Program |
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The scholars program begins in October. Scholars attend four two-hour seminars throughout the fall semester, covering various aspects of economic development and community development in rural Georgia. Following the second seminar, students will take a group trip to an active PROPEL community, study the opportunities and challenges facing rural communities, and interact with community leaders. In the spring, students will complete an internship where they will work on research and other projects that will assist one of the PROPEL communities. While the PROPEL communities are across the state, interns will be able to complete the work from the Athens campus. Funds will be available to support Rural Scholars travel to their assigned PROPEL community. Students may also be able to earn experiential learning credit. |
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PROPEL Process |
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The are several steps in the PROPEL Model. Using this model, the communities will learn to utilize resources to promote lasting developments to push them forward for future development.
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Current PROPEL Communities |
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PROPEL In the News |
Support from UGA Foundation benefits students and communities
May 25, 2022
A generous $500,000 gift from the University of Georgia Foundation board of trustees to support rural economic development will enable UGA to reach even more communities and provide experiential learning opportunities to more students.
PROPEL gives rural communities the tools to prosper and thrive
May 5, 2022
Over the next two years, PROPEL participants will work through a six-step model focusing on economic development, data analysis, strategic planning, community engagement and vision setting. Coaches from the UGA Institute of Government and Archway Partnership will work closely to keep the communities on track. Faculty from other UGA Public Service and Outreach units, the J.W. Fanning Institute of Leadership and the Small Business Development Center, are available to provide expertise in small business, leadership development and community engagement.
USDA grant will help communities boost economic development with PROPEL
November 3, 2021
A grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will allow UGA Public Service and Outreach units to equip rural Georgia communities with the tools, resources and knowledge to chart a strategy for economic recovery and long-term resiliency.
