Education

Description: Broadband connectivity helps to ensure that local communities are vibrant and successful. In parts of the country that are not fully connected, some communities are creating partnerships with local businesses, health organizations, schools and art groups to solve these challenges. These innovative partnerships leverage existing assets to build new opportunities. Join NTIA’s BroadbandUSA to hear case studies of models that are working to successfully connect Main Street in underserved areas.

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A digitally skilled workforce is essential for the economic development of our nation’s communities. Companies of all sizes need employees that understand technology, whether it’s on the business or operational side of the organization. Join BroadbandUSA to hear how local leaders are building partnerships between governments, businesses, nonprofits and education to help residents attain the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.

Speakers:

NTIA is working with local leaders to offer rural broadband workshops across the country.  Workshops are planned in Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Wyoming, Mississippi, and New Mexico. The programs are designed for local broadband stakeholders to learn about digital applications, broadband solutions, and federal and state grant and loan programs. The workshops will focus on local resources, tools, and action plans.

NTIA’s BroadbandUSA team has joined with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA’s) Rural Development staff to offer rural broadband workshops throughout the Northwest. The agencies are working with entities in Oregon and Washington to organize the workshops in a selection of cities.

The expansion of 5G and the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) is creating an increasing need for secure networks across many platforms and technologies. Innovative programs for cybersecurity awareness, education, training, and workforce development are essential to protect and defend against potential cyber-attacks, but finding qualified people to work in this area is increasingly difficult. This webinar will highlight educational programs that address training for cybersecurity professionals focusing on contributions made by Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

On September 6 and 7, NTIA and BroadbandUSA participated in a workshop that focused on deploying rural broadband and using technology in agriculture (also known as “smart ag”) at Purdue University, Indiana.  Participants shared ideas for wireless test beds for smart ag and rural broadband connectivity, smart technology to support regional food sheds, business accelerators for smart farming and advanced manufacturing “wearables” for diabetes control, platforms for opioid response, and blockchain for telehealth credentialing.

Students heading back to school this fall that lack access to high-speed broadband will continue to rely upon libraries for homework assignments.

Over the past few years, the U.S. has made significant gains in efforts to connect K-12 schools with high-speed broadband connections of 100Mbps per 1000 students.

One in four jobs added to the economy over the next decade will be in technology and health care, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and jobs in every sector will require increased math, computer and digital literacy skills. As a result, the demand for a highly skilled, digitally trained workforce is high. Communities are taking the lead to ensure that their workforce is ready to attract and support emerging industries and businesses. Join this BroadbandUSA conversation to learn how local leaders are preparing the workforce for the digital skills needed today and tomorrow.