The purpose of CORE is to build a partnership between East Grand School and the two-district communities of Danforth and Weston in order to make rural education more relevant, attractive to students and financially sustainable through “learning in the out-of-doors pathways" including project and experience-based curriculum and initiatives. CORE is a small organization, no paid staff, and the work is primarily one of information, coordination and support meeting monthly to continue collaborative efforts with the school. Joint accomplishments with the school include strategic planning, construction of an outdoor classroom on donated land, a garden center, curriculum development, teacher training, off-site middle school outings, the Harlow Trail (a school-community service project), and assistance in developing the natural resources pathway options for aspiring students. This web link provides a brief look at the natural resources pathway that began in the middle school this school year. The Harlow Trail marked a multi-year effort by CORE to develop a community service, recreational and educational trail; a partnership involving East Grand students, the Town of Danforth, the landowner, Baskahegan Company and hundreds of volunteer hours. The Badges of Achievement project, which this grant request is for, is an example of how CORE advances its work aligned with student needs and teacher aspirations.