The influences of community attachment, sense of community, and educational aspirations upon the migration intentions of rural youth in Texas

Abstract

Data drawn from the Rural Youth Community Survey were used to examine the associations of community attachment, sense of community, and educational aspirations of rural youth in Texas with their migration intentions. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that the three measures are independently and significantly associated with students’ intentions to migrate. Based upon these findings, several recommendations for community leaders hoping to retain youth in rural areas and/or encourage young people to return to their home communities after receiving post-secondary education or training are offered. Possible implications of these findings for community developers, public leaders, Cooperative Extension personnel, and other practitioners are addressed, as are suggestions for future research.