Economics can help state broadband leaders rise to the challenge of universal internet access

by Nathan SmithBroadband Policy Specialist, Connected Nation Bowling Green, Kentucky (June 20, 2022) – Broadband leadership at the state level barely existed ten years ago. Now, states are in the hot seat, tasked with a crucial role in brightening the economic future, not only of the internet-deficient rural areas that will need state broadband grants to catch up with the …

Connected Nation honored among the Best Places to Work for the 11th time

The national nonprofit was ranked in the top 20 for -sized employer Bowling Green, Ky. (June 13, 2022) – The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has once again named Connected Nation (CN) among the Best Places to Work in Kentucky—awarding the organization with a 20th place ranking in the small-sized employer category (those employing 15-149 U.S. employees). “We value our employees …

What state leaders must do to access billions of dollars in broadband funding for rural communities

Lexington, Ky. and Nashville, Tenn. (June 8, 2022) – The pandemic raised awareness about the millions of Americans still without adequate access to broadband (high-speed internet). As a result, federal lawmakers approved an unprecedented amount of funding to expand the nation’s current internet infrastructure particularly in rural areas. Brent Legg, who serves as the Vice President of Government Affairs for …

Connected Nation wins four Telly Awards for ‘National conversation on the Digital Divide’

Bowling Green, Kentucky (May 26, 2022) – Connected Nation (CN) was honored this week with four wins in the 43rd annual Telly Awards — two silver and two bronze. CN  received two silver statues for a package of stories produced for its November 2021 livestream event, “A national conversation on the Digital Divide” in the “series: social impact” category, and …

Connected Nation honored with two national Communicators Awards

Bowling Green, Kentucky (May 16, 2022) – Connected Nation, a national nonprofit working to close the Digital Divide, received two Awards of Distinction during last week’s 28th Annual Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts (AIVA) Communicators Awards. Awards of Distinction are given to projects that exceed industry standards in quality and achievement. The Connected Nation podcast, which is now in …

Biden Administration Awards Nearly $77 Million to Expand Internet Access for Dozens of Tribes

The following is a press release that was issued by National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on May 4, 2022. News Media Contact: NTIA, Office of Public Affairs, (202) 482-7002, press@ntia.gov WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced that it has awarded 19 grants as part of the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program. Andy Berke, NTIA’s Special Representative for Broadband, …

C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California lands first place, largest cash prize at the national Kids Tech Summit

Virtual event – (April 25, 2021) – C5 Youth Foundation of Southern California (C5LA) earned top honors at the national Kids Tech Summit held Friday, April 22. The friendly competition was hosted by national nonprofit Connected Nation (CN) and sponsored by AT&T’s Connected Learning program. The virtual event featured competitors from four student teams that represented nonprofits from across the …

Rural Digital Opportunity Fund support authorized for 1,345 winning bids

The below public notice was issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on April 15, 2022. Click here to see the full list of winning bids (Attachment A) announced by the FCC. PUBLIC NOTICE FOLLOWS AU Docket No. 20-34 WC Docket No. 19-126 WC Docket No. 10-90 By this Public Notice, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB), in conjunction with the …

Connected Nation invites teachers, parents to host watch parties, cheer on student teams for the national Kids Tech Summit

Bowling Green, Kentucky (April 12, 2021) – The national Kids Tech Summit will take place in less than 10 days on Friday, April 22 at 4pm (eastern). The finals for this event will feature four student teams from organizations located across the country –  from New Jersey to Hawai’i. This friendly competition, which is hosted by national nonprofit Connected Nation …

Finalist in national Kids Tech Summit wants to help older generations tackle tech

Des Moines, Iowa (April 4, 2022) – Nancy Mwirotsi confesses that she’s a “tech dropout,” but also points to that as one reason she founded Pi515 — a nonprofit focused on introducing girls and boys from different social and socioeconomic backgrounds to technology skills as a way out of poverty. “It was 20 years ago when I was first learning …