National 4-H Council, Tractor Supply, and Starlink Partnership to Expand Rural Broadband Access for Ag Youth

A new partnership with the National 4-H Council, Tractor Supply Company, and Starlink is helping expand access to reliable internet in rural communities.

Jill Bramble, President and CEO of the National 4-H Council, says more than $500,000 from Tractor Supply Company will help bring new digital resources to 4-H members nationwide.

“Learning all aspects of technology and digital innovation will be important to preparing them for work and life,” she says. “Pairing that with the in-person learning that 4-H provides is key to helping young people become beyond ready.”

She said 100 Starlink kits will be distributed to local 4-H clubs in underserved areas.

“Many young people want to remain and stay in their rural communities,” says Bramble. “This partnership will allow them to continue to grow, thrive, and pursue the careers that they are interested in and have the connectivity to do so.”

Starlink says the value of the first month subscription service from Starlink kits purchased through Tractor Supply stores will be donated to the National 4-H Council and local 4-H youth programs.

EDITOR’S TAKE:

Efforts to upgrade broadband access in rural areas are always appreciated. Unfortunately, the commonly used economic model for determining future buildout, simply does not work. This latest partnership is focused on helping rural youth, something we should all support. It paves the way for a brighter future for those communities and the future leaders who will guide going forward.

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