BB2C staff and participants in the RTF program celebrate the successful end of the school year.

By Emily Bentley, BB2C Education Engagement Specialist

The OHIO Rural Teacher Fellowship, a collaboration between Building Bridges to Careers (BB2C) and Ohio University Regional Higher Education (RHE), is a catalyst for transformative change in rural Appalachian Ohio. At its core, the fellowship recognizes that successful students, thriving businesses, and strong communities are interconnected - and that educators play a pivotal role in building those bridges.

Launched in 2021, the fellowship supports both practicing teachers (Rural Teacher Fellows) and Ohio University undergraduate education majors (Rural Teacher Corps members) as they develop Community and Career Connected Learning projects. These projects are rooted in the needs and assets of local communities, tackling real-world challenges while embedding career awareness and place-based learning into the classroom.

The OHIO Rural Teacher Fellowship follows a three-year program structure. Fellows receive a stipend, mentorship from seasoned educators and community partners, and participate in virtual and in-person workshops. The program’s cohort model fosters a supportive network of educators leading change together. Reflecting on her first year in the fellowship, current fellow- Cassie Lamb, Morgan Local Schools- shared, “Having a team that is positive and supportive is crucial for growth and development… Working with this group of people has enriched my mind and my spirit.”

Fellows are encouraged to identify and act on opportunities in their own schools and communities. Current fellow- Zoe Buccella, Frontier Local Schools- remarked, “I deeply appreciated the supportive community RTF offered in support of my student action plan unit… I felt more connected and seen in doing this work.” By connecting students to real people, places, and problems in their communities, these projects enhance workforce readiness and help ensure long-term community thriving.

Fellowship applications are now open for the 2025-2026 academic year. Eligible applicants are current PK-12 educators in Appalachian Ohio or Fairfield County with a passion for Community and Career Connected Learning. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with a final deadline of July 11, 2025.

Whether you’re looking to grow as a teacher-leader, connect with a community of passionate educators, or spark innovation in your school, the OHIO Rural Teacher Fellowship could be your next big step.

To learn more, contact Emily Bentley, BB2C’s Education Engagement Specialist at ebentley@bb2careers.org. The OHIO Rural Teacher Fellowship is proudly supported by the Rural Schools Collaborative and the Ohio University Undergraduate Experiential Learning Fund.

RTF Application