Rural by Design offers a blueprint for academic inquiry into the cultural, social, and environmental conditions that affect rural communities at home and abroad, and public projects to enhance local rural sustainability. Using a holistic, interdisciplinary approach consistent with Kenyon’s liberal arts mission, this initiative combines student research, experiential opportunities, and community outreach to connect college and community life. In keeping with our general goals, the various activities comprising Rural by Design center on three interrelated, thematic programs that are essential to rural sustainability: generating economic innovation, strengthening social networks, and linking the local and global environments.

Rural by Design is made possible with support from the McGregor Fund of Detroit, Michigan.  To learn more, visit http://www.mcgregorfund.org/.