Connecting rural communities through digital opportunities and education

Limited availability of reliable broadband and digital tools continues to restrict educational attainment, workforce participation and access to essential services in rural Georgia. Communities surrounding Fort Valley State University face persistent digital inequities that disproportionately affect seniors, youth and low-income households. Addressing these gaps is critical to strengthening rural economies and improving service access. 

Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension implemented a regional digital exposure and literacy initiative across Crawford, Peach and Macon counties to expand technology infrastructure and build resident capacity. Extension staff partnered with libraries, community centers, youth programs and local governments to increase device availability, establish public computer access sites and deliver targeted digital education. Program activities included senior technology instruction, community workshops, workforce-focused training sessions, student-led technology navigator services and a multi-session Digital Empowerment Series. A new community computer lab was established at the Crawford County Extension Office to provide ongoing access to digital resources. 

The initiative strengthened regional technology capacity by distributing more than 700 devices and hardware resources to community members and partner organizations. Equipment provided included 650 Chromebooks, 31 all-in-one desktop computers, multiple large-format smart displays for public learning environments and laptops and tablets supporting 14 student technology navigators who delivered direct technical assistance. A six-station community computer lab was created, increasing public access to reliable computing resources. 

Six digital education programs were launched or expanded, serving seniors, youth, job seekers and families. Community partners reported increased participation, improved digital skill confidence among program participants and sustained demand for technology education services across the tri-county area. 

This Extension initiative improves rural digital opportunities by expanding exposure to technology, strengthening workforce readiness and increasing residents’ ability to utilize online education, employment and public service platforms. By building long-term digital capacity, the program supports economic development, community connectivity and quality of life for rural populations in central Georgia.

Fort Valley State University Cooperative Extension Program