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For fossil fuel-reliant towns, a solar alternative grows

Lyndsey Gilpin

November 15, 2016 |

High Country News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Delta, Colorado

A local energy cooperative in Colorado, Delta Montrose Electric Association, is spurring economic development through renewable energy. The program has allowed Delta County to diversify energy sources, and has become a tool for economic revitalization.

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In New Mexico, a way out of the boom-bust cycle?

Leah Todd Lin

November 15, 2016 |

High Country News |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Hobbs, New Mexico

Lea County, New Mexico felt the downfall of the oil industry deeply; now, towns like Hobbs rebuild their economic infrastructure by investing in alternative energy plants as well as affordable housing for its residents. The comprehensive approach builds the economic foundation of the community while ensuring that the people working in the town have access to affordable places to live.

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Rural economies get high on legal cannabis

Leah Todd Lin

November 15, 2016 |

High Country News |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Trinidad, Colorado

Many small towns in Colorado who have previously struggled economically are now benefitting from the legal marijuana industry. The marijuana sales tax is helping towns pay for infrastructure and development efforts. However, local officials are wary of becoming too reliant upon this industry, as it may not be sustainable. For the time being, towns are using their extra tax dollars to build up their communities.

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A career close to home: Taos nursing program a model of workforce development

JR Logan

November 14, 2016 |

The Taos News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Taos, New Mexico

A UNM-Taos nursing program has been touted by the college and the hospital as a great example of workforce development in a community that has long struggled with economic development. As leaders continue to look for ways to diversify the economy beyond low-paying tourism and service industry gigs, the program might be one example of how to effectively merge education and workforce development.

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Americans Are Getting Their Voluntourism Fix on a New Carnival Cruise

Jacob Kushner

November 07, 2016 |

Vice |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States

Fathom is the world's first-ever cruise line for people who want to vacation and volunteer as a way of helping poor families in the Dominican Republic have concrete floors, water filters etc. However, the impact of this organization is unknown given a lack of data and contrasting anecdotal evidence.

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How one tiny high school hacked Advanced Placement classes

Kate Schimel

October 10, 2016 |

High Country News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Paonia, Colorado

In 2011, the Colorado Education Initiative (CEI), an education advocacy and research organization, launched the Colorado Legacy Schools project. The program funded innovative ways to increase the number and diversity of students taking AP classes. Instead of applying for funds to train teachers and subsidize test fees, Paonia High teamed up with two nearby schools to more than triple their collective AP offerings. It’s a promising model for rural, resource-limited schools trying to bring more college-prep opportunities to their few students.

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Digitally disconnected

Leah Todd Lin

October 10, 2016 |

High Country News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Farmington, New Mexico

To address the lack of available WiFi outside of school settings, a local college in Farmington, New Mexico, offers students the ability to check out wireless hotspots for one week at a time, While the school's resources are limited and aren't able to provide for all students, the program has shed light on the need for Internet services in rural areas around the country.

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A community fix for Rio Arriba's libraries

Ellen Berkovitch

October 07, 2016 |

Small Towns Big Change |

Podcast |

5-15 Minutes

Response Location: United States, Rio Arriba, New Mexico

In New Mexico, independent libraries that operate as non-profits provide services—in addition to traditional library services—that are not readily available throughout the state and especially in rural areas. Libraries provide early childhood education and pre-school classes as well as spearheading community projects such as a radio station and mural creation.

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In Rural Bangladesh, Solar Power Dents Poverty

Amy Yee

October 04, 2016 |

The New York Times |

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800-1500 Words

Response Location: Bangladesh, Kakhin Bimile, Dhaka Division

Infrastructure Development Company Limited (Idcol), a government-backed Bangladeshi energy and infrastructure group, is helping bring solar power to homes in rural Bangladesh that once relied on dangerous kerosene or expensive diesel for electricity. The keys to Idcol’s expansion are financing plans that cater to lower-income people, as well as partnerships with 56 grass-roots organizations like the microfinance institution Grameen. Solar energy is reliable, clean, and more cost effective in the long run, and has become a lifeline for low-income Bangladeshis living beyond access of the main grid.

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Staying on the Land

JR Logan

September 06, 2016 |

The Taos News |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Taos, New Mexico

A tax break for open space may help protect New Mexico’s farm land from development, preserving generations-old tradition and ownership, while maintaining valuable land for a future agricultural resurgence.

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