Although professional educators and public school decision makers have attempted to respond to increased educational demands and a broader spectrum of students, the education of rural youth is a neglected area both in higher education and in educational legislation. The record indicates that policy decisions and the resulting legislation have favored non-rural areas. Higher education has not responded to the needs of rural residents. Stronger research programs are needed to assess the needs of rural educators, to determine how those needs can be met, and to develop and disseminate improved educational strategies for rural schools. Rural teachers must be trained to adapt to students who may have different values, areas of commitment, and understanding of life. Because North Carolina is predominantly rural, two of its universities provide assistance with rural educational problems. Auburn University has outlined a proposed plan for assistance to rural schools. East Carolina University has long provided instructional services to the rural districts of eastern North Carolina, and hopes to focus instruction for educational personnel specifically on rural schools. Currently, overwhelming support exists for establishment of a Rural Education Institute to develop research strategies focused on concerns in rural education and disseminate findings important to rural educators. (CM)