This qualitative study examined the career readiness practices of high schools in one rural school district. Specifically, the researcher investigated how school counselors spent their time, the role of Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) in the career readiness practices of the district, and how leaders influence the school counseling department and career readiness practices. In addition to examining practices, the study also sought to explore how rurality influenced the career readiness practices of the district. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires. The following themes emerged: school counselors' time is driven by student need, CTAE is a driver of career readiness practices, school leaders influence career readiness and school counseling programs through autonomy, and schools should examine and build upon career readiness practices employed with students. The findings from this study aligned with empirical research regarding rural career development and Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) and were also connected with four aspects of Place-Based Learning (PBE), according to Vander Ark et al. (2020), creating bonds, personalizing learning, building social capital, and promoting contribution, which links the rural context of the career readiness practices of the school to the local community. The implications of the study include the need to ensure dedicated staff members are responsible for career readiness practices with clear and specific expectations, a collaborative relationship between administrators, counselors, and CTAE staff is necessary to ensure a strong culture of career readiness, the balance of educational leaders between autonomy and accountability of program operations, and the need for career readiness teams to design and schedule career interventions early and with intentionality. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]