Not Another Ghost Town -- Alliance, Nebraska

This small western Nebraskan farming town is a community of participants, not spectators. Just ten years ago, Alliance faced an uncertain future. Agriculture was suffering, and the town's major employer, the railroad company, was downsizing. It appeared Alliance, like so many other soon-to-be rural ghost towns, might be stranded with a behind-the-times economy. But Alliance's ranchers, farmers and railroad workers came together and found a way to support diversity and growth, attracting new manufacturing, high technology and marketing employment. A town rich in civic life and hope, Alliance is surviving because its citizens looked to themselves to find creative ways to keep their community alive and prosperous.

More Resources:

• The Heartland Center for Leadership Development
• Alliance for Education: Business Involvement in Seattle Public Schools
• Seattle's Teacher Contract and Washington State's Academic Learning Requirements
• Interview with John Stanford
• John Stanford's Legacy
• Statement by the President
• The John Stanford Education Heroes Award
• Quotes from the community
• Tribute to John Stanford
• John Stanford Book Fund