This Associated Press story is a good example of the way that educators, administrators, and legislators in Idaho were able to band together to bring broadband Internet access to high schools across the state. Through an initial investment of $3 million, secured from federal stimulus funds, the network has now been extended to 12 high schools in the state, and will ultimately expand to provide access to all public high schools in Idaho. The Idaho Education Network was established by House Bill 536 and the initiative may ultimately expand to include elementary and middle schools, as well as libraries.
Expanding broadband Internet access to schools was a major push in the federal stimulus package, with $7.2 billion set aside specifically for that purpose. Check out this story I wrote for Digital Directions to find more on the importance of high-speed Internet for educators and what schools can do to secure the funds needed to upgrade their Internet access.