Sampson County Schools has been named to the 2026 cohort of the Rural Career-Connected Collaborative, a 15-month national program that launched in January 2026 to help rural school communities reimagine and strengthen career-connected learning.
The Collaborative brings together rural districts from across the country that are leading innovative approaches to preparing students for college, careers, and life. Grounded in community-based design, the initiative empowers students, families, educators, local employers, and community partners to work side-by-side in shaping career pathways that reflect each community’s unique strengths, aspirations, and workforce trends.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model, participating districts design solutions rooted in their local context, ensuring that programs align with both the dreams of young people and the realities of a rapidly evolving economy.
Sampson County joins a diverse group of rural districts selected for the 2026 cohort, including:
Bunker Hill Community Unit 8 School District (Illinois)
Edgecombe County Public Schools (North Carolina)
Floyd County Schools (Virginia)
Lyndonville Central School District (New York)
Montgomery County Schools (North Carolina)
Northeast Academy for Aerospace & Advanced Technologies (North Carolina)
Rutland Northeast Supervisory Union (Vermont)
Turner County School District (Georgia)
As part of the initiative, superintendents from each participating district will serve as “chief architects” of the work. They will also take part in a six-month Superintendent Fellowship focused on aligning policy, people, and resources to create lasting, sustainable impact.
For Sampson County, participation in the Collaborative signals a continued commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers while strengthening partnerships between schools, businesses, and the broader community.
More details about local initiatives and opportunities for community involvement are expected in the coming months.