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Building A Strong Rural Future <br /> <br />Fostering a positive environment for yotmg people <br /> <br />Recognizing new opporttmities <br /> <br />Accessing vital producer information <br /> <br />Scope of Work <br /> <br />What is the project? <br /> <br />Like other rural areas around the nation, North Dakota is experiencing an out-migration <br />of residents. What makes North Dakota different is that - rather than isolated pockets of <br />population decrease - the out-migration is virtually statewide, especially among young <br />people. In many rural counties, the death rate exceeds the birth rate and the average age <br />of residents is over 65. <br /> <br />The state's residents have become so alarmed about this trend that an initiated measure <br />was put on North Dakota's 2002 ballot to establish financial incentives to keep young <br />college graduates in the state. Although the measure was defeated at the polls, it has <br />opened a new dialog about what North Dakota can and should do to create an <br />environment that will help retain young people in rural areas, and draw back those who <br />wish to return. <br /> <br />As rural leaders plan for the future, this project would assist rural North Dakota's <br />planning on three fronts: <br /> <br />1) Prairie Public proposes an examination of ideas and programs that hold promise for <br />fostering a positive environment for young farmers and ranchers, entrepreneurs, and <br />professionals who wish to remain in rural communities. Prairie Public would produce <br />Building Our Future, a documentary exploring ways North Dakota communities and <br />organizations are creating jobs and economic opportunities for young people. <br /> <br />2 January 13, 2003 <br /> <br /> <br />