We knew from the start that to truly get big things done it had to be bigger than just one company
As our everyday lives have become increasingly dependent on technology and the internet connectivity that powers it, we are acutely aware that many people and communities, both in rural and urban areas, lack access to this now-critical infrastructure.
To help address this urgent problem, a large group of diverse and dedicated partners have come together to create a new, innovative, boots-on-the-ground initiative. This new enterprise from the American Connection Project -- the American Connection Corps -- will tackle the challenge of connectivity in communities across the country.
Since its inception, the American Connection Project has recognized the power of partnership.
Through the generosity of 20 forward-thinking organizations and Lead for America, this group from all corners of the country who represent a variety of interests are all saying the same thing: the status quo must change.
These bold organizations are not waiting for the problem to get fixed by someone else -- but taking action now to make a difference. They are some of the country’s most prominent companies, educational institutions, and other leading organizations, bringing to the table a broad range of skills and perspectives. This unique expertise spans everything from the technology to enable connection itself, to the hospital systems implementing critical telehealth services, to the producers and retailers supplying critical support to our food system, and to the financial institutions with the infrastructure to support all of the above and more.
Together, through the new leaders that will empower 50 local communities as American Connection Corps Fellows, we hope not only to make a meaningful impact in these communities, but to also demonstrate to state and federal policymakers that immediate, substantial revitalization of America’s communities through connectivity is possible. Together, private and public institutions can all realize our shared goal of unlocking the potential of every individual from the heartland to the coast.
This is all true to the founding spirit of the American Connection Project. We knew from the start that to truly get big things done it had to be bigger than just one company. It’s why more than 150 partners have joined the American Connection Project Policy Coalition to advocate with one voice, and why many of these companies turned on free, public Wi-Fi at more than 3,000 locations across the country to fill an immediate need during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. And now, it’s why we have launched the American Connection Corps.
We are more effective together and all share ownership of this initiative. Our efforts are just getting started but we couldn’t do it without the power of partnerships and look forward to what we can accomplish together.
The American Connection Corps was made possible by:
Accenture
Heartland Forward
Tractor Supply Company
Ariel Investments
Scoular
CoBank
Midwest Dairy
Microsoft
Zoetis
CHS
Mayo Clinic
Land O’Lakes
American Farm Bureau Federation
University of Minnesota
Common Sense Media
Tillamook
University of Illinois Extension
Purdue University
Partners for Education
CentraCare
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