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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with those behind a partnership that’s helping to connect thousands of people across Rhode Island who are stuck in the Digital Divide - in the midst of the pandemic.  
 
Also, we discuss a network of nonprofits that is quietly tackling research and education issues across the country AND explore the ways the pandemic has changed how library systems operate—perhaps forever. 

Learn more about the Take It Outside Initiative :
https://www.ri.gov/press/view/39476

Learn more about the Ocean State Libraries’ "Park and Surf" initiative:
https://www.oslri.org/wifi

Learn more about OSHEAN Inc.: 
https://www.oshean.org

Learn more about The Quilt:
https://www.thequilt.net
 

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On this edition of Connected Nation, we talk with those who are leading the AT&T K-12 homework gap program— which is focused on closing the at-home connectivity gap for at-risk students.  This program includes a $10 million commitment from AT&T.

We discuss which organizations are eligible for the program, how the application process works, and what’s being offered to help some of the most vulnerable students in the U.S. 

The application for schools and nonprofits can be found at:
https://att.connectednation.org/s3/homeworkgap

Follow the AT&T Foundation on Twitter: @ATTimpact

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Emily Jordan, the Vice President of Connect K12, which is a FREE, online resource focused on helping school district leaders and state decision makers improve classroom and school network internet connectivity.
 
This is a critical need—amplified by the pandemic— as teachers and students rely on these networks to learn virtually and in the classroom.  Learn how Connect K12 can help improve those connections,  support for our state and school district leaders, and how YOU can leverage it to help improve your local school district's internet networks. 
 
Website: https://connectk12.org/

You can find a report that outlines the current state of classroom connectivity in the US by heading here: https://connectk12.org/national

Twitter: @connect_k12

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetConnectK12

linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connect-k-12

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with two members of the Texas Governor’s Broadband Development Council which recently released a report on the state of broadband connectivity across the Lone Star State.

We discuss the recommendations the Council made to the governor, what important data point members believe still need more study, and how the lessons from Texas could help other areas across the country tackle the need for better internet access in rural communities.

Read the full report here:
https://gov.texas.gov/uploads/files/press/2020_Texas_Report_-_Governors_Broadband_Development_Council.pdf 

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Jeb Bush, the former Governor of Florida, who in a recent opinion piece published by Slate pointed to high-speed internet (broadband) as “an imperative, not a luxury.”

We will explore how he believes the country can close the Digital Divide by taking a page out of history and looking at the success seen through a program during President Eisenhower’s administration.

“I see this as an incredible opportunity to allow people to live purposeful lives.” ~Gov. Jeb Bush 

Related Links

• Read the Slate piece discussed in this podcast by clicking here.   
• To follow Gov. Bush on Twitter go to @JebBush
• To learn more about ExcelinEd head to the website by clicking here or check out the nonprofit's Twitter feed by heading here @ExcelinEd 

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with those behind a massive undertaking to connect more than 28,000 students with economic challenges to high-speed internet in a Tennessee school district– and they’re succeeding in the midst of the pandemic. 
 
Learn how this unique public-private partnership was developed—and how it is working to help thousands of kids who would otherwise be left without access to their remote classrooms.   

Related Links
Hamilton County Schools - https://www.hcde.org/
EPB Chattanooga - https://epb.com/
Tech Goes Home Chattanooga - https://www.techgoeshomecha.org/
The Enterprise Center - https://www.theenterprisectr.org/

Press Release
https://connectednation.org/blog/2020/08/19/chattanooga-and-hamilton-county-use-smart-city-infrastructure-to-bridge-digital-divide-for-students/

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with two Ohio University students who have been working to improve connectivity across the Buckeye State. Learn what they’ve been doing to help expand internet access for families and communities—even during the pandemic. 

Learn more about Connected Nation Ohio by heading here: https://connectednation.org/ohio

About HB13 - which was mentioned in this podcast:
Click here to read about this broadband expansion legislation in Ohio. 
 

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This is Rural Technology Leaders (RTL), a special series produced through the Connected Nation Podcast. In this series, we focus on companies and individuals that are utilizing technology and connectivity in rural America.

In this episode of RTL, we talk with Dan Manning and Tom Stephenson, who each serve as Community Technology Advisors for Connected Nation’s Connected Community Engagement Program. They have extensive experience working with communities and organizations doing community team creation, data gathering, and technology action planning. 

They share their experiences with rural technology leaders, the hurdles of developing these leaders in rural communities, and the important role that these leaders play in our communities.

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In this episode of Connected Nation we talk with State Program Director for Connected Nation Texas, Jennifer Harris, and Vice President of GIS Services for Connected Nation, Ashley Hitt, who led a team that recently released new broadband coverage maps for every single county in Texas—if you’re counting that’s 254. 

 Ashley and Jennifer share details on how this was done, what it means for those who need high-speed internet access, and how this model can be replicated in other states and communities to expand broadband access.

Related Links:
https://connectednation.org/texas/
Ashley Hitt on Twitter - @AshleyHittGIS 
Jennifer Harris on Twitter: @TxLnghrnJen 

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On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Doug McCollough, the Chief Information Officer, for the City of Dublin in Ohio.  He has not only helped navigate the city through Covid-19 measures but is also a leader within Black Tech Columbus—a group with a mission to provide space for Black Tech professionals to connect, collaborate, and create.

Black Tech Columbus
Website: https://blacktechcolumbus.com/ 
Twitter: @BlackTech614 and @DougITPro