The Appalachian Rural Systemic Initiative (ARSI) aims to stimulate sustainable systemic improvements that enhance student performance in mathematics, science, and technology in 66 Appalachian counties characterized by persistent poverty. To support this aim, a major ARSI goal involves development of partnerships among families, communities, and schools. This manual was designed to help school and community facilitators build community involvement in the education process. Sections 1 and 2 describe ARSI and discuss community engagement as a form of stewardship and as a positive influence on student achievement. Section 3 outlines the ARSI community engagement process, developed with input from agencies and practitioners working in rural Appalachia. The process entails 12 steps: establish a team, define the community being served, select school and community co-facilitators, develop a descriptive profile and submit it to appropriate district and ARSI personnel, complete a community engagement self-assessment, understand the school's vision for improved mathematics and science learning, develop a community engagement action plan, implement the plan, monitor progress, report and use collected data, celebrate success, and renew commitments and action plans. Sections 4 and 5 describe critical elements in high-quality science and math programs and professional development experiences and discuss what quality math and science education means for students in Appalachia. Section 6 contains 9 references and 44 additional resources. Appendices present overviews of national science and mathematics standards. (Contains sample work sheets.) (SV)