Broadband access is important to rural America

Ohio Farmer

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke and Jared Bernstein, the chief economist to the Vice President, talked with reporters Wednesday, announcing expanded high speed internet access throughout the country. The broadband investment of $1.8 billion will fund 94 projects in 37 states.

"We see this as expanding opportunity for farmers and ranchers to have real-time information concerning weather and markets so they can make the best decisions for their operations," Vilsack said.

Read more

WSOS rural program schedules conference

News-Messenger

The Ohio Rural Community Assistance Program staff at WSOS will open its first conference to community leaders around Ohio on Aug. 24 in Columbus.

"This is an ambitious effort, but we are excited about it," said Deb Martin, director of The Great Lakes Rural Community Assistance Program, administered by WSOS.

Read more

Community development education program offered online

Rural Community Building

The Great Plains IDEA (Interactive Distance Education Alliance) sponsors a fully online master’s degree program in Community Development to prepare those who wish to work to improve communities.

It is particularly useful for those working in rural areas where access to graduate level education is limited.

US Department of Education statistics show that urban college graduates are twice as likely to enroll in graduate programs as rural graduates, and online learning is a great way to bridge this educational divide.

Read more