Educational and Economic Effects of Absentee Land Ownership in Appalachia

Educational and Economic Effects of Absentee Land Ownership in Appalachia Summary This paper identifies economic issues that contribute to the educational success in Appalachia, focusing primarily on the historical and current trend of absentee land ownership and its effect on overall infrastructure in rural areas of the region. Based on these findings, an argument is formed for why this economic situation is a necessary topic to take into consideration when examining educational success throughout the region. There is a brief discussion of the value placed on education at the regional and local levels, displayed by allotment of available resources. The paper also considers the implications of these ties between economic distress and educational attainment for the perpetuated “brain drain” throughout Appalachia and what this might mean for the future of the region’s economic diversification. The content contributes to a larger discussion taking place in Appalachian studies about the potential for economic sustainability and growth. It also gives insight into important factors for both policy influencers and educators involved with ASA to consider when moving forward to create policy and design curriculum that are interconnected and can be a foundation for youth throughout the region to be challenged and prepared to stay and invest in their local communities after completing high school