The American Connection Project nabbed quite the recognition today, as the program efforts were recognized on Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2022. The program landed a top five spot in the Corporate Social Responsibility category, which specifically honors efforts that relentlessly innovate to solve health and climate crises, social injustice, or economic inequality.
More than 40 million Americans lack broadband access. As our everyday lives have become increasingly dependent on technology and the internet connectivity that powers it, too many people and communities, both in rural and urban areas, lack access to adequate and critical broadband connectivity.
To help address this urgent problem, a large group of diverse and dedicated partners have come together supporting efforts of the American Connection Project to close this digital divide.
And we got to work.
And "we" is the important part here—close to 200 partner organizations fuel this effort, whether it’s the boots-on-the-ground efforts of the American Connection Corps, the American Connection Project Policy Coalition, a coalition that helped secure vital broadband funding within the infrastructure bill, co-ops and retailers within our member-owned network syncing up with internet service providers to provide connectivity in their community, or those  partners across 49 states and more than 3,000 locations raising their hand to flip on their Wi-Fi to help folks plug in.
“The American Connection Project fuels change through the power of partnership, with so many great organizations combining their size, scale and resources to make a difference,” commented Tina May, Land O’Lakes, Inc. vice president for rural services.
According to Fast Company, the list honors businesses that are making the biggest impact on their industries and culture as a whole—ultimately thriving in today’s ever-changing world. These companies are creating the future today with some of the most inspiring accomplishments of the 21st century.
We’re inspired by the recognition and can’t wait to continue the work of connectivity through the American Connection Project. You can learn more about the American Connection Project’s work here.