Rolling Forward: Celebrating Rural Education and Innovation rolled into the Pennsylvania Trolley Museum for a day dedicated to connection, creativity, and collaboration. Hosted by Intermediate Unit 1, this first-of-its-kind event combined the IU1 Innovation Showcase—where educators and students presented creative, grant-funded projects—with the Rural Schools Collaborative, a network that highlights the strength and ingenuity of rural schools.
The event provided educators, administrators, and community partners from across southwestern Pennsylvania with an opportunity to share ideas, build partnerships, and celebrate the innovative work happening within rural education. Throughout the day, guests explored interactive displays, met with teachers and students behind some of IU1’s most impactful initiatives, and learned about programs designed to bridge opportunity gaps in rural communities.
The Pennsylvania Trolley Museum offered a fitting backdrop for the event’s theme—“keeping education on track.” Visitors toured the museum’s exhibits, rode vintage trolleys, and experienced a blend of history and forward-thinking innovation that perfectly captured the spirit of the day.
Speakers from IU1 and partner organizations emphasized the importance of collaboration in fostering creativity, supporting educators, and preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world. Rolling Forward celebrated not only the accomplishments of today but also the promise of what’s ahead—as rural education continues to move full steam into the future.
