The “Wilds Are Working: A Remote Lifestyle Experience” program wrapped up its final year in 2024, having introduced 27 remote workers to life in the rural Pennsylvania Wilds since its launch in 2022.

The initiative not only provided participants with an immersive rural living experience but also injected tens of thousands of dollars into six host communities and their surrounding areas. Participants were competitively selected to reside in Bellefonte, Kane, Emporium, Williamsport, Warren, and Saint Marys for up to four weeks. Their lodging was fully covered, and they received a local spending stipend.

“This program looks at the problem of outmigration holistically, encouraging the participants and the current residents of host communities to think about what makes living in the rural PA Wilds so special,” said Abbi Peters, chief operations officer of the nonprofit PA Wilds Center for Entrepreneurship, which implemented the program alongside local community lead organizations.

The program aimed to raise awareness about the PA Wilds as an ideal place for both remote and non-remote workers to live, work, and explore. By allowing participants to “test drive” life in these rural communities, the initiative sought to attract new residents and provide valuable feedback to host communities on how they could enhance their appeal for modern workers.During the 2024 session in Williamsport, participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage in activities they wouldn’t typically encounter in their current cities. One participant noted the chance to “do things they wouldn’t normally do” during their stay.

One of the program’s key elements was the “Shop the PA Wilds” digital gift card, powered by Yiftee, which ensured stipends were spent at participating small businesses. Businesses had to be members of the Wilds Cooperative of Pennsylvania, which offers free membership and helps promote regional businesses beyond the program.

Over three years, remote workers spent more than $37,000 in stipends at local establishments. The breakdown of stipend spending showed a preference for food and beverage, retail, and outfitter experiences: 65% on food and beverages, 30% on retail,4% on outfitter experiences,1% on other services

For example, in the Warren cohort, 71% of stipends were spent on food and beverage, 19% on retail, and 10% on outfitter experiences. Williamsport participants allocated 72% to food and beverages, 23% to retail, 1.5% to outfitters, and 3% to other services.

Originally, the first-year stipend was set at $1,500 per participant, but since most participants did not use the full amount, it was lowered to $1,200 in the second year. However, in the third year, it was increased to $2,000 to assist participants with transportation costs, as some did not have access to vehicles.

The Yiftee software also provided insight into spending habits, helping communities identify popular amenities and areas that could benefit from further development.

“This is not a paid relocation program,” emphasized Peters. “Sure, some participants have chosen to relocate, and we’re thrilled about that! However, it’s not the only goal. The Wilds Are Working is an opportunity for participating communities and remote workers to evaluate their goals and needs, and ultimately it helps the communities identify what can help them to retain and attract new residents long term.”

The program was funded through partnerships with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Central and Northern PA and the Appalachian Regional Commission.

By addressing long-standing rural challenges such as population decline, industry contraction, and workforce development, the program successfully demonstrated how remote workers could thrive in rural settings with modern amenities and strong internet access. It also highlighted the growing demand for better work-life balance and access to outdoor recreation, which the PA Wilds region offers in abundance.

Survey findings from all three years confirmed that the program made a tangible impact, changing perceptions about rural living. As the program concludes, its influence on participants and host communities serves as a model for future initiatives aimed at revitalizing rural areas through innovative workforce attraction strategies.