Develops a framework for examining how social capital contributes to the well-being of rural communities. Reviews the educational and social science literature on social capital, contrasting rational choice and embeddedness perspectives. Introduces the concept of entrepreneurial social infrastructure, which adds equality, inclusion, and agency to…

Meeting the needs of disabled college students within the limits of the rural institution's resources is a challenge to all rural educators. Support services which must be provided can be divided into two categories: core services, such as classroom assistance and housing, and comprehensive environmental services, such as admissions, registration,…

Theoretical rationale and rural examples illustrate that local government, directly or through participatory community-based intermediaries, can promote development of community social capital. Important program features are participant autonomy, linkage, and returns on investment. Examples with varying social capital impacts include…