Empowering Indiana’s workforce through infrastructure investments
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As Indiana strives to remain competitive against peer cities, one crucial investment stands out as a cornerstone for driving workforce development: infrastructure. While roads, bridges, and utilities often dominate discussions around infrastructure, there’s another vital component that deserves our attention—broadband internet access. By expanding statewide broadband access, we can equip families with the tools they need to obtain virtual education for their children, especially in rural communities where enrollment continues to decline.
The data paints a clear picture of the challenges facing rural education in Indiana. According to the Indiana Department of Education, enrollment in many rural school districts has been steadily declining in recent years. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including population shifts, economic challenges, and limited access to educational opportunities. However, amid these challenges lies an opportunity to harness the power of technology to transform education and empower students and families.
According to the 2023 report, “The State of the Digital Divide in Indiana,” published by Purdue University, educational attainment, the share of those 25 years or older in high digital divide tracts with a bachelor’s degree or higher is 24 percentage points lower compared to the share in low digital divide tracts (16 versus 40.6). Likewise, the labor force participation rate or LFPR among the working age population (ages 16 to 64), and the prime working age population (ages 25 to 54), is lower in tracts with a high digital divide. K-12 students with no computer or internet access are the largest group of Hoosiers impacted by the lack of broadband access.
A Holistic Solution
Investing in statewide broadband infrastructure is a game-changer for rural communities. Access to high-speed internet opens the door to virtual education, providing students with flexible learning environments that transcend the confines of traditional classrooms. With virtual education, students and families gain access to a wealth of resources and opportunities that were previously out of reach.
Virtual education has the power to equip students with essential digital literacy skills, preparing them for success in an increasingly digital economy and workforce. According to a report by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, demand for workers with digital skills is on the rise across various industries in the state. By ensuring that students have access to virtual education, we’re not just preparing them for the jobs of today but also for the jobs of tomorrow.
Furthermore, virtual education expands course offerings, giving students access to a broader range of subjects and learning opportunities in the classroom and out in the community. Dual credit programs, in particular, are gaining traction, allowing high school students to earn college credits while still in high school.
Perhaps most importantly, virtual education offers personalized learning opportunities tailored to individual student needs. Adaptive learning technologies and data analytics enable educators to provide targeted support and interventions, helping students succeed academically and reach their full potential. This personalized approach is especially beneficial for students in rural communities, where access to educational resources may be limited.
Federal Resources
In 2021, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the bipartisan infrastructure law, allocating $65 billion to ensure every American has access to fast, reliable internet. This legislation also established the BEAD program (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment), which provides grants to states, territories, and Washington, D.C., for broadband planning, deployment, mapping, equity, and other activities.
The Indiana Michigan Power Company Inc. was awarded funding from the BEAD program for the Delaware and Grant Middle Mile Connect (D&G) project, consisting of 252 miles of newly constructed fiber and 465 miles of existing fiber within the Indiana Michigan Power Company (IMP) network in Delaware and Grant counties. This fiber will be available to lease by ISPs to provide last-mile broadband to Delaware and Grant counties.
This historic investment in broadband infrastructure presents opportunities to bridge the digital divide and ensure all Hoosiers have access to essential internet services. As states move forward with broadband expansion efforts, collaboration between policymakers, communities, and stakeholders will be crucial in achieving equitable access to broadband internet for all.
A Model of Success
With the expansion of statewide broadband access, students will unlock new opportunities to pursue education through virtual school. Through virtual schools like Indiana Digital Learning School, Indiana Gateway Digital Academy, and Hoosier College and Career Academy, students have access to more flexible and often tailored learning environments.
Furthermore, through partnerships with local colleges and universities, students like Rachel Greenlee from Vigo County can obtain Indiana College Core Certificates before they even finish high school—enabling them to save time and money in the future.
An investment in Indiana’s infrastructure is an investment in today’s students who will become tomorrow’s leaders.