A new effort called the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network aims to get students from rural and small towns in the door at the nation's top colleges, to graduation, and into jobs. 

The colleges and universities that comprise the STARS network will hire dedicated staff to recruit and support students, assist high school counselors and teachers, pay for students to visit their campuses, expand summer programs, and help students and their families navigate financial aid.

Photo: Benjamin Rasmussen

Jalaun Ross, a computer science major at Central Connecticut State University, knew it would be difficult to land an internship at a prominent tech company this summer. He was right. After applying for 200 internships, he did not receive a single offer.

Critics say the typical recruitment process at high-profile tech firms often gives an advantage to students at top computing colleges and those with industry connections—just like elite private universities that heavily recruit from top high schools and favor the children of alumni.

As conservative lawmakers ratchet up attacks on DEI—diversity, equity, and inclusion—in higher education, another acronym is beginning to attract their attention: ESG.

ESG refers to an investment strategy that takes into account not just standard financial considerations but also environmental, social, and governance concerns. Republican governors in 18 states are now vowing to go after the use of ESG in investing. Such legislation could impact college endowments.