The University of Minnesota, Morris Center for Small Towns (CST) is a community outreach program that serves as a point-of-entry to resources throughout the University of Minnesota. Small towns, local units of government, P-12 schools, non-profit organizations, and other University units utilize the Center’s resources when working on rural issues or making contributions to rural society.
Major components of CST provide assistance in data analysis, research, and program evaluation; community planning and development; and student involvement. CST also offers an on-going conversation series and the annual Symposium on Small Towns. The Symposium is designed to discuss and analyze current issues or significant aspects of small towns and celebrate rural living.
CST provides assistance on community and economic development projects—often involving more research or expertise than small towns can afford or provide themselves. At the same time, CST works to involve University of Minnesota, Morris faculty and students in the challenges and issues facing rural communities, which provides students with rich opportunities for applied learning. Examples of projects include design improvements for downtown areas; economic impact research; marketing studies; park surveys; and strategic planning for communities and school districts.
CST collaborates with many University of Minnesota programs including the Center for Rural Design; the Center for Urban and Regional Affairs; the Council on Public Engagement; U of M Extension; and the Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships. Current collaborations with other organizations include the West Central Initiative and the Bremer Foundation. This combined knowledge of the rural environment, along with the faculty and students of the University makes CST an ideal place to link rural issues with needed resources.
Through the Center for Small Towns:
- Communities benefit by receiving low-cost, specialized assistance from knowledgeable, enthusiastic students;
- Students benefit through hands-on learning, valuable work experience, and being valued citizens;
- Faculty benefit through applied research and from offering students active learning opportunities.
Believing in a bright prosperous future for small communities.
