Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2005

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Geography

Abstract

Declining populations of many small towns in South Dakota have lead to concern among residents and local leaders about the vitality of rural communities and their ability to sustain themselves. One perceived reason for the declining population is the belief that when young people graduate from high school, they leave and never return. Of particular concern is the belief that the people who are most likely to leave are the honor students, leaving the community void of its most talented young people. This quantitative study answered the question: do honors students from Watertown, South Dakota choose to stay in Watertown after graduation, or do they choose to live in other locations? This study also attempted to discover the factors that the honor students considered important when choosing where to live. A survey was mailed to members of the Watertown National Honors Society who graduated in the years 1985 through 1995 (n=502). The survey contained demographic information and questions about the factors that the respondents considered important in choosing their current living location. The results of the survey indicated that 82.97% (n= l 17) of the honors students who responded do not live in Watertown. The survey also found that the factor that the honors students considered to be the most important when choosing where to live was the availability of employment opportunities.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Rural-urban migration -- South Dakota

Brain drain -- South Dakota

Occupational mobility

Migration, Internal -- United States

High school graduates -- South Dakota -- Watertown

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

52

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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