WiRSA (Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance) - Strong Schools - Strong Communities
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2026 National Forum to Advance Rural Education
October 19-21, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas
There's just one week left to secure the lowest registration rate for the 2026 National Forum to Advance Rural Education! Register by July 19 to save before conference rates increase.
This October, rural educators, leaders, researchers, and advocates from across the country will gather in San Antonio for the nation's premier conference dedicated to advancing rural education.
Hosted by the National Rural Education Association in partnership with the Texas Rural Education Association, this national gathering brings together educators, leaders, researchers, and changemakers committed to advancing rural education.
Why Attend
Inspiring keynotes from national voices
150+ high-impact learning sessions
NEW: Rural Impact & Innovation Showcase Competition (LIVE Finals)
NEW: Voices at the Table Policy Forum
Meaningful networking, receptions, and connection time
Don't Miss Your Chance to Save
Register by July 19
Book Your Hotel
Join us in San Antonio to connect, learn, and lead what’s next for rural education.
The Voice of Rural Schools: 2026 Annual Report
June 18, 2026
The National Rural Education Association is proud to present this annual report, the first of its kind in the history of the organization. This document reviews the successes and celebrations of the past year and looks ahead to the amazing things planned for FY27, as well as strategic goals for the future of the organization. We hope you will enjoy this overview of how NREA continues to serve as the Voice of Rural Schools.
You can use the flipbook below similar to an ebook. It is searchable, available in full screen, and allows you click all of the interactive elements such as the table of contents and links throughout the report. If you would prefer to download a PDF, please use this link.
Take NREA's Rural Education Survey
Only 6 questions!
We want to learn about the current landscape of rural education in your area. Your feedback on this brief survey is greatly appreciated as it helps us better serve you!
Please take the survey even if you are not an NREA member - we want to hear from ALL rural communities. All responses to this survey are due by June 26.
2026 National Forum to Advance Rural Education
October 19-21, 2026 | San Antonio, Texas
Join Us in San Antonio!
Join rural education leaders from across the country for the 2026 National Forum to Advance Rural Education—the nation’s premier rural education conference!
What's New for 2026 Rural Innovation & Impact Showcase Competition
A national stage for rural innovation. Finalists present LIVE—and one standout initiative is awarded $5,000 during the Forum.
Voices at the Table Policy Forum
Not a typical session. Join interactive, table-based discussions that elevate rural voices and shape real policy conversations.
Built for Connection
More intentional time to connect, collaborate, and learn from peers—plus space to explore and engage beyond sessions. Plus, everything you expect—and more:
150+ sessions focused on real-world strategies
National speakers and rural success stories
Practical ideas you can take back and use immediately
Make Your Plans Now: Register by July 19 to SAVE!
NREA Members: Use your discount code for $100 off registration
Not an NREA Member?Join today to receive the member discount
National Grange Releases New Report Highlighting Impact of 340B on Rural Hospitals
The National Grange has released a new report and analysis by Avalere Health examining the impact of the 340B Drug Pricing Program on rural hospitals, underscoring the program’s essential role in preserving access to care for millions of Americans in rural and small-town communities.
The report, The 340B Program Impact on Rural Hospitals, reveals stark disparities between rural and non-rural hospitals and raises concerns about policy and structural challenges that threaten the stability of rural healthcare systems.
Report reveals dramatic differences between rural and non-rural hospitals in patient populations, care delivery, and financial metrics
Sevastopol is presenting at our NREA
National Forum to Advance Rural Education Convention in San Antonio, Texas!
What does it take for a small, rural district to consistently outperform expectations and rise to the top in state and national rankings? Sevastopol School District invites you to come find out. Recognized in the top 10% statewide by U.S. News & World Report and SchoolDigger.com, and labeled “Significantly Exceeds Expectations” on the Wisconsin State Report Card for two consecutive years, Sevastopol has emerged as a standout in public education. Even more compelling, this success comes while serving a student body with approximately 35% classified as Economically Disadvantaged.
We invite educators, policymakers, and community leaders to explore how Sevastopol’s intentional practices, strong community partnerships, and relentless focus on equity have created a culture of excellence. This is more than a success story—it’s a blueprint for sustainable achievement. Come see how Sevastopol is redefining what’s possible for public schools in Wisconsin.
2026 Congressional App Challenge
Submissions Due October 26, 2026
The Congressional App Challenge is the official student STEM competition of the U.S. House of Representatives. It's an annual nationwide competition hosted by Members of Congress designed to inspire middle and high school students to explore STEM fields.
Incorporating the Congressional App Challenge into your curriculum is a simple and impactful way to inspire middle and high school students, encourage hands-on STEM learning, and connect them to their elected representatives. Students can participate individually or in teams of up to four, making it easy to adapt to any classroom or program setting.
2026 NREA Writing Contest Open Now!
Ready, Set, Rural: Creating Opportunities Everywhere
Submissions Due May 31, 2026
Rural communities are full of creativity, resilience, and unique opportunities. Through this contest, students K-12 will share their perspectives on rural life, the importance of education in rural areas, and ideas for creating opportunities that can make a difference locally or nationally. Learn more and submit by May 31.