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How the program works |
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We launched PROPEL (Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership) in 2022. PROPEL provides rural communities with resources to create systems necessary to support their own economic and workforce development strategies. The two-year program is funded by a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant; it also received a $250,000 gift from the UGA Foundation in the spring of 2022. The program will guide low-income rural cities and counties through a six-step model to develop and execute a plan to advance their economies. This model will focus on economic development, data analysis, strategic planning, community engagement and vision setting. The program was awarded top honors in the Place category at the University Economic Development Association (UEDA) Awards of Excellence program in October 2023. The award recognizes PROPEL’s economic impact on Georgia communities. |
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PROPEL Model |
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Collaboration |
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PROPEL includes collaboration between UGA Public Service and Outreach units
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PROPEL Communities |
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Additional communities may be added in the future. |
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PROPEL Rural Scholars |
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The PROPEL Rural Scholars program provides students interested in rural Georgia the opportunity to work alongside a Public Service and Outreach mentor and community leaders to work on and implement relevant research to communities. The two semester program will equip future leaders with the knowledge and experience to take roles in economic development, community development, and civic leadership. |
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PROPEL In the News |
Appling County reaps success with UGA Institute of Government help
January 26, 2024
Award-winning PROPEL program highlights rural development efforts
U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to fund expansion of UGA’s PROPEL program
November 20, 2023
The University of Georgia Carl Vinson Institute of Government has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand its work with rural communities in Georgia.
University of Georgia’s PROPEL program receives top national honors
October 17, 2023
PROPEL, a University of Georgiaprogram, took home the top prize from a national awards competition honoring outstanding economic development initiatives, research and accomplishments.
Research by UGA students makes an impact in rural Georgia communities
July 26, 2023
UGA students who participated in the PROPEL Rural Scholars program are more attuned to the needs of rural Georgians and how government works thanks to the yearlong experiential learning opportunity at the University of Georgia’s Institute of Government.
UGA’s PROPEL program to help guide Pulaski’s economic development strategy
May 17, 2023
Pulaski County is focusing on a long-term economic development strategic plan to ensure opportunity for future generations through PROPEL (Planning Rural Opportunities for Prosperity and Economic Leadership), a unique program of UGA’s Vinson Institute of Government. In its second year, PROPEL provides rural communities with resources to help create systems necessary for their economic and workforce development strategies.
