The National Center for Research on Rural Education (R2Ed) invited researchers, practitioners and policymakers from across the country to discuss factors influencing the academic success of rural K-12 students at a conference held April 3-4, 2013 in Omaha. Entitled Connect-Inform-Advance, the conference was designed to enhance research-based dialogue about the interrelated impacts of teaching, family engagement, community involvement, school environment and contextual factors on rural student performance. In highlighting the most recent findings from both R2Ed researchers and prominent scholars nationwide, the conference examined implications for rural education practice, policy and future research. The conference was a good example of the rich outcomes that come from partnerships among researchers, practitioners and policy makers. Conferees left with much food for thought!