The Power of Partnerships Rural Broadband Advocacy: Gathering the Key Stakeholders National Broadband Summit – Austin, Texas April 7, 2016 Ron Daley – KVEC/Hazard CTC

Oldest K-12 educational cooperative in Kentucky serving 19 school districts

Our Appalachian region serving 14 counties Densely populated and mountainous (approximate geographical size of Connecticut) High Poverty Rate Lowest Quotient of Well Being in Nation Declining coal industry-massive layoffs with potential for outmigration

The $30 million spanning four years is all about the 42,256 students served by 2,860 educators in 99 schools in 14 counties. The “Appalachian Renaissance Initiative,” focuses on personalized/customized learning and empowering students with their voices and choices.

Partnerships and policies need to address rural educational challenges Lack of civic infrastructure to show students community supportive Creation and support for Rural Edu-conomy Innovation Action Labs (Zones) tying all stakeholders providing educational services Encourage and enhance philanthropy in rural America for education Market place is not getting broadband into rural areas Prepare students for global work through World Languages

Rural challenges continued 90 % of counties with persistent poverty are rural - poor health follows poverty Poverty- needs based scholarships, college access Rural workers make $11,000 less than urban counterparts – tie education to high wages and available jobs Dual Credit preparing students for global jobs and postsecondary education

Establish First U.S. “Rural Edu-conomy Innovation Zone” Using Work Ready model to build community support for education Inform community about K-20 education Engage business and local leaders in education Tie education to economic and community growth Creating Global “Silicon Holler” Innovation Hub

Preparing Region for Global Economy Implementing vision of U. S. Rep Preparing Region for Global Economy Implementing vision of U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers

Strategies to advocate for expanded broadband Using KY Work Ready Community program with organizations in each county to promote broadband and the New Economy Creation of Silicon Holler and Millennial Think Tanks to develop strategies to build New Economy and attract and retain creative talent Creation of community toolkit preparing communities for Broadband and New Economy Use The Holler.org to build an on-line community promoting New Economy and Broadband

Strategies to promote broadband - continued K-12 students are ambassadors for Broadband so they can continue their school work 24-7 (students engaged in entrepreneurial work/competitions and innovative class projects, ie the Jenkins first graders tweeting project) The development of the Appalachian Technology Institute (ATI). Over 400 K-12 students enrolled computer science Showing need for broadband (largest roll out of Next Generation classroom technology in rural America, Action Research Summit, innovation grants for teachers, student voice, etc.) Traditional and social media campaign to promote New Economy/need for expanded broadband

Questions or comments?

Tying Education to Community Development: The Appalachian Renaissance Initiative “Rural Broadband Advocacy: Gathering the Key Stakeholders” Ron Daley, Strategic Partner Lead Kentucky Valley Educational Cooperative (KVEC) Ron.daley@kctcs.edu 859-388-0406