College freshman Atriya Nourbakhsh is majoring in biology with an eye on law school. “Having a degree in biology will open a lot more career opportunities for me in the future,” says the Shawnee, Oklahoma, native, who is considering corporate or healthcare law. Just where that future will take her is less certain.
After graduation, Nourbakhsh plans to move to New York City, where she believes there are more opportunities and better–earning potential.
Nourbakhsh’s view of local career prospects is common among her peers from rural communities. According to a recent Gallup survey, rural Gen Zers are significantly less likely than their urban counterparts to believe they can find a good job, receive job training, or earn a college degree where they live.
This drain of capable, educated young people prevents rural communities from retaining the homegrown talent they need to cultivate a skilled workforce and strengthen their economies.
However, survey responses suggest there may be hope for reversing this trend. Rural Gen Zers report feeling only slightly lower overall satisfaction with their communities than their urban peers (64% to 74%). Even those who desire to move are more likely to want to relocate somewhat close to home. Forty-nine percent of rural Gen Zers wish to remain in their current state or region, compared to 31% of urban Gen Zers.
Zechariah Stone-Moore, a high school senior in Seminole, Oklahoma, will graduate in May 2025 with both his diploma and an Associate’s Degree. He plans to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree at a college beyond his rural community but plans to return as an educator at the school he attended.
Given how many rural young people feel forced to choose between their close-knit community ties and the promise of better jobs and quality of life, targeted investments in local career pathways, job training, and higher education access could change that equation.
Stone-Moore’s story is a testament to the power of a supportive community – one that not only nurtured his aspirations but gave him a reason to return.
“The only people that I saw on a daily basis outside of my family – that actually cared and respected me – were educators, and I want to be that for kids,” he said. “Seeing teachers here that are so passionate about their students, not only as the learners in their class, but as the people, I decided that the best thing that I can do is be that person for someone.”
Expanding job training, education access, and workforce development can transform rural communities from places young people leave into places they choose to build their futures.
