The Rural Lifeworld as a Pathway to Career Identity: Lessons From a Non-School Internship Study

This case examines two Appalachian Ohio organizations outside the boundaries of formal schooling that address issues of youth outmigration and sustainable community development through non-school internships. Twenty-five participants who completed internships from 2016–2020 were interviewed on topics related to their career pathways, social capital acquisition, and community connections. This case relates to the 3 rd wave of economic development which has elevated social capital and cross-sector collaboration, but also the emerging 4 th wave of economic development that finds communities prioritizing people and “place-making”. The key finding — participants’ career narratives — indicates place plays an emotional and material role in fostering entrepreneurship education and similar forms of workforce development in rural areas.