2026-07-09http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/528801This study uses logit analysis to examine the influence of the perception of local economic opportunities and the willingness to move on the educational aspirations of rural high-school-aged youths. Those youths who are more willing to move have a greater career opportunity set and a string incentive to achieve in school, since education allows them to compete for jobs elsewhere. A low willingness to move, coupled with a low perception of local job opportunities, translates into a low expected return to education, which reduces the incentive to achieve in school.THE INFLUENCE OF THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND THE WILLINGNESS TO MOVE ON HUMAN CAPITAL ACCUMULATION IN CENTRAL APPALACHIAText