How low-Earth orbit satellites can help K-12 students thrive
Washington, D.C. (October 23, 2025) – On September 10, the Connect Everyone Coalition (CEC) hosted a discussion on how low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites can help support K-12 schools by expanding high-speed, reliable broadband access to students everywhere —even in the most rural, underserved communities. Connected Nation (CN) is proud to share CEC’s mission of closing the Digital Divide.
Experts gathered to discuss the impact of broadband in each of their fields, the importance of high-speed internet access inside and outside the classroom, how LEO technology can quickly and affordably connect students and families everywhere, and how broadband can impact a student’s future.
Hosted by CEC Executive Director Richard Cullen, the panel discussion featured Emily Jordan, VP of Foundation & Education Initiatives, CN; Everett Cook, Technology Director, Southeast Island School District; Richard Hicks, CEO & President, Inspire EDU; and Ray Zeisz, Senior Director, Technology Infrastructure Lab at the Friday Institute, North Carolina State University. They agreed that reliable internet connectivity is vital for learning both inside the classroom and at home.
In a 2023 report, the National Rural Education Association found that more than 13% of rural households lacka minimum broadband connection for streaming educational videos or virtual classrooms. Many schools hold virtual classes, but rural areas often lack strong internet connections, which are required for streaming.
Virtual classes allow students to participate in school without having to leave the house, which was vital during the COVID-19 pandemic and is still useful today when a student is sick or otherwise unable to make it to school.
Additionally, many schools keep parents informed about their children’s assignments, grades, and schedules through electronic systems like email, instant messaging, and even social media. This makes broadband a necessity for students’ homes, not just their schools.
The panelists emphasized the importance of LEO technology for K-12 schools and households, and that families who switched to Starlink saw an increase in those parent communication systems because they had better access.
Having broadband access at home is also vital for K-12 education because students need access to online portals or specific applications and software to complete homework and study for tests.
Panelists noted that students who have high-speed internet at home were more successful in school because they were able to access all the required tools and materials.
While a Digital Divide still exists across the nation, many new forms of LEO technology, like Amazon’s Project Kuiper, have entered the field, giving more schools and homes the opportunity to be connected.
“There’s going to be a mix of technologies to get communities where they need to be,” Jordan said.
The panelist agreed that working to close the connectivity and information gap in rural areas by expanding high-speed internet will give students a better chance at being successful in school and in their future careers.
Students need not only connectivity, but also the necessary resources and trainings. That’s where Connected Nation comes in. We offer digital skills programs for teens and adults of all ages. To learn more about CN’s training programs, click here.
To watch a recording of the CEC panel discussion, click here.