We’re proud to partner with the Rural Schools Collaborative to help address school connectivity gaps, specifically in rural areas. Together, we look forward to celebrating rural educators already using the Internet to enhance instruction. We will also share tips, tools, and opportunities for free support with rural school leaders to help them upgrade their broadband.
The non-profit Rural Schools Collaborative strengthens the bonds between rural schools and surrounding communities through place-based engagement, rural philanthropy, and developing teacher-leaders. This summer, their joint Survey of Rural Schools and Communities with the National Rural Education Association and TNTP outlined the top challenges facing rural schools today. With over 2,500 responses from educators and advocates across 45 states, the report concluded that the lack of broadband access remains a barrier for many schools – specifically in retaining and recruiting teachers.
Robust and reliable Internet is critical to launching innovative technology solutions that enable rural schools to address those challenges. With a high-speed connection, schools can expand distance education offerings, provide access to virtual labs and field trips, and enhance professional development opportunities for teachers and staff.
