Comments on: Is ‘brain drain’ inaccurate? New study reveals reality of ‘rural return’ https://mtassociation.org/uncategorized/is-brain-drain-inaccurate-new-study-reveals-reality-of-rural-return/ Building a New Economy, Together. Tue, 07 Jul 2020 19:40:51 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 By: West Virginia Tennant https://mtassociation.org/uncategorized/is-brain-drain-inaccurate-new-study-reveals-reality-of-rural-return/#comment-41 Mon, 07 Mar 2016 23:15:43 +0000 http://www.appalachiantransition.org/?p=3235#comment-41 I don’t believe that teachers don’t (or didn’t, anyway) groom the best and brightest to leave. I went through school in West Virginia in the 80s and 90s. The grooming was relentless.

I do believe that people are coming home, though. We went out, we saw the world, we didn’t like it. The big happy world turned out to be a lie. Now we want to go home; as soon as we can find work or pull the money together, we’ll be back.

]]> By: Ralph Mills https://mtassociation.org/uncategorized/is-brain-drain-inaccurate-new-study-reveals-reality-of-rural-return/#comment-40 Thu, 11 Jun 2015 21:41:00 +0000 http://www.appalachiantransition.org/?p=3235#comment-40 The referenced research relates to the rural communities well beyond Appalachia. As to whether or not a brain drain has taken place in two of Kentucky’s coal counties (Harlan and Bell Counties), I will let the census data speak to the issue:

In 1940, the population of Harlan County was 75,275; the estimated population in 2013 was 28,499.

In 1940, the population of Bell County was 43,812; the estimated population in 2013 was 27,885.

And the median age of the population of these counties is significantly older.

I think these figures suggest at least that these counties are losing more of their brightest young people than they are retaining. Some of those who return may do so while still in their productive prime years.

The fact of the matter is that the economy of the region has declined along with the overall population. Of the 30 or so students in my graduating class, I know of three who remained in their home area-3 females and 0 males. None have returned.

]]> By: barbara Ogle https://mtassociation.org/uncategorized/is-brain-drain-inaccurate-new-study-reveals-reality-of-rural-return/#comment-39 Fri, 22 Aug 2014 01:56:31 +0000 http://www.appalachiantransition.org/?p=3235#comment-39 Thank you for putting into words what many of us have known in our hearts. I teach a sociology class and plan to share your article and data with them. I was one of those who left for a while but after having my son, felt a strong pull from the mountains to return so he could grow up knowing his kin folks. Have never regretted it.

]]> By: daniel https://mtassociation.org/uncategorized/is-brain-drain-inaccurate-new-study-reveals-reality-of-rural-return/#comment-38 Thu, 21 Aug 2014 08:25:46 +0000 http://www.appalachiantransition.org/?p=3235#comment-38 I’m sorry but you present exactly 0 objective points to back up your claims. Until those studies give us numerical data that disproves “brain drain”, it is very much a real thing in my mind. Appalachia just does not contain STEM jobs to challenge your brightest

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