Connected Nation pledges to invest in AI education.
We believe it's critical to ensure America’s youth are prepared to thrive in an AI-driven future, and we are proud to commit new resources that build on our longstanding mission of improving lives through technology. As part of this national effort, Connected Nation will
- Empower AI learners: Train at least 50,000 K–12 students in AI literacy and application skills through CN’s national digital empowerment programs, with a focus on rural and underserved communities.
- Advance research and development: Integrate AI-focused research into community studies to better understand adoption trends, barriers, and impacts, leveraging CN’s data and mapping expertise to guide strategy.
- Strengthen infrastructure and access: Partner with 350+ organizations across 40+ states to expand access to resilient broadband infrastructure and AI literacy tools.
- Foster collaboration: Engage industry, education, and government partners to share best practices, mentor emerging AI learners, and collectively build a more inclusive digital future.
Through these commitments, Connected Nation will help strengthen America’s workforce and drive economic development by equipping young people and communities with the knowledge and tools needed to compete in an AI-driven economy.
Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
Signed October 22, 2025
Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation
Who are we?
Connected Nation is a nonprofit, 501(c)3, working to develop and provide tools, resources, and methods to help local communities, states, and federal agencies create and implement solutions to their broadband (high-speed internet) and digital technology gaps.
What do we do?
We assess and plan for the expansion of broadband access, adoption, and use. We do so by developing public-private partnerships to bring technology access to targeted geographies and populations. That work also includes developing programs focused on empowering people with technology skills and resources to improve their quality of life.
What do we believe?
We believe everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. That means everyone should have opportunities to improve their lives, families, and communities regardless of who they are, where they live, or how they begin.
Who advises Connected Nation?
Connected Nation’s Board of Directors provides strategic and comprehensive oversight to our work on all levels. Local, state, and federal elected officials, representatives from K-12 education, health care, higher education, tourism, agriculture, libraries, and business, etc., also have input as we develop and implement programs and approaches to help urban and rural communities of all sizes expand their broadband access, adoption, and use.
What is Connected Nation’s relationship to broadband providers?
We are a neutral party that is committed to meeting our mission by working with any and all providers of broadband service. We have an open door as to how to develop that relationship — with the extent and depth of that relationship often being defined by the provider themselves. Our connections and neutral approach to developing plans for broadband expansion is what makes it possible for us to build effective public-private partnerships within communities at the local, state, and federal levels.
How is Connected Nation funded?
Connected Nation is designed as a private-public partnership. Our funding comes from a variety of sources depending on the scope of a particular project or program. That funding includes but is not limited to, foundations, state and federal grants, local community contributions, and more.