Rural communities, home to nearly a quarter of the U.S. population, face distinct workforce challenges shaped by geography, access, and investment patterns, yet are often underfunded. This session spotlights a partnership between The Industrial Commons, Truist Foundation, and Ascendium Education Group as an example of how rural communities are developing approaches that respond to their distinct workforce realities. Speakers will share practical strategies for aligning workforce and education systems in ways that reflect rural conditions, build trust across sectors, and support long-term impact. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of what makes rural workforce systems different and how to design approaches that respond to those differences.