Dr. Christopher Ali, The Pennsylvania State University
Through a series of focus groups in 10 rural counties, this project strives to better understand the digital connectivity needs, challenges, and experiences of first responders (police, fire, EMS, and 911) working in rural Pennsylvania. Understanding the connectivity needs of first responders in rural Pennsylvania and the gaps therein is crucial because it will improve public safety by ensuring that 911 calls can come through and that first responders working in the field can respond, and because it will improve the safety of our first responders themselves, ensuring that they are always “connected,” especially in times of emergency.

Dr. Simon Condliffe, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Many rural Pennsylvania counties face dwindling population and labor force, potentially undermining economic growth. Justice-involved adults reentering the labor force and finding gainful employment could mitigate labor shortages. A newly available data set describes the outcomes of justice-involved adults in Pennsylvania's rural counties. Outcome measures include economic (e.g., employment, earnings), health, and recidivism. These data offer an opportunity to understand the experiences of justice-involved adults in rural communities and how their experiences differ by characteristics such as race/ethnicity, gender, and criminal record. The research will offer direction for policies that improve the outcomes of these individuals and thereby strengthen rural economies.

Dr. Edward Fuller, The Pennsylvania State University
This project will examine teacher supply and demand issues in Pennsylvania, focusing on the qualifications and shortages of teachers using data from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. It will address supply issues such as enrollment in teacher preparation programs (TPPs), the number of newly certified educators by TPP, and the return of teachers to the workforce. Demand issues will include changes in student enrollment and characteristics, teacher turnover, and teacher attrition. The qualifications, diversity, and shortages of teachers by role will be estimated. A primary focus will be on rural schools, districts, and counties. Finally, I will analyze whether rural characteristics—such as enrollment size, distance from a preparation program, distance from an urban center, and relative salary—affect shortages and qualifications within rural areas.

Dr. Jongwoong Kim, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
This project aims to assess the vulnerability of Manufactured Home Communities (MHCs) in Pennsylvania, focusing on economic pressures, susceptibility to natural disasters, and the lack of regulatory protections, particularly in rural areas. Manufactured homes are generally regarded as affordable housing options due to their lower purchase costs, efficient construction methods, and smaller size. However, they face significant challenges that may threaten their affordability. Differential valuation due to faster depreciation, property tax issues such as higher assessed value per square foot, zoning restrictions, and additional fees, such as rent increases for leased land, can impact affordability and increase displacement risk for residents. Moreover, MHCs face a growing risk of closure and redevelopment due to aging infrastructure, rising market pressures, and ownership shifts from local operators to multinational corporations. The results will inform a set of strategic policy considerations related to the sustainability of these types of affordable housing options in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Yunfeng Shi, The Pennsylvania State University
This project will conduct empirical analysis to examine and quantify the key factors contributing to rural hospital sustainability, along with the impact of healthcare market consolidations (i.e., mergers and acquisitions) on rural hospitals in Pennsylvania. The study team will use a mixed methods approach and focus on four sets of outcomes: 1) financial solvency; 2) employee recruitment, retention, and staffing; 3) healthcare access; and 4) health outcomes. The findings will provide key insights for policymakers and hospital administrators who are challenged with finding strategies to make rural hospitals in Pennsylvania sustainable.

Dr. Michele Tantardini, Pennsylvania State University at Harrisburg
This research will examine rural Pennsylvania's workforce challenges through a mixed-methods research approach. Quantitative analysis of Lightcast data will identify labor market demands, skills gaps, and training capacity across rural counties. Semi-structured interviews with employers and workforce development board members will provide employer perspectives on hiring barriers, the current quality of new hires, and the effectiveness of workforce development programs. The findings will provide empirical evidence to assess the current role of the 22 workforce development areas and board, inform workforce development improvements at the state and local levels and related funding decisions, assist local workforce boards in strategic planning, and inform program and curriculum development by career and technical education centers. The findings will provide timely, evidence-based insights and policy recommendations for state and local officials.