Get Connected Arkansas Week: Building a More Connected Arkansas Through Collaboration and Opportunity

by Danielle Watson - October 23, 2026

From Oct. 4-10, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture partnered with the Arkansas State Broadband Office and the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association to celebrate Get Connected Arkansas Week, a statewide initiative focused on digital connectivity, digital skills, community capacity and opportunity for all Arkansans.

The week centered on a simple but powerful message: Being connected today is about being able to participate. Reliable internet access helps children learn, families pursue better opportunities, patients access health care, businesses reach customers and communities navigate an increasingly digital world.

However, meaningful connectivity extends beyond infrastructure. Affordability, access to devices, digital literacy and trusted community support all play important roles in ensuring Arkansans can benefit from being connected.

A Week of Learning, Collaboration and Impact

Get Connected Arkansas Week featured activities designed to celebrate Arkansas’ progress, strengthen community organizations and elevate the voices of those working to expand digital opportunity.

The week opened Oct. 4 with a statewide campaign celebrating connectivity progress and highlighting what digital opportunity means for families, businesses and communities. On Oct. 5, a recorded edition of the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association’s RISE vlog highlighted statewide progress, policy and implementation updates, and the role of trusted community organizations in helping Arkansans navigate the digital world.

On Oct. 6, Arkansas Kids: Connected to Their Future focused on the role connectivity plays in children's learning, school readiness, parent engagement, digital safety and long-term economic opportunity.

Equipping Community Connectors Through Grant-Writing Training

On Wednesday, Oct. 7, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture hosted Equip the Connectors: Statewide Capacity Building Day, a grant-writing training facilitated by Dr. Hunter P. Goodman. The virtual session brought together 49 participants that focused on strengthening the capacity of trusted community organizations to support local priorities.

Using a grant-writing curriculum developed in partnership with the Southern Rural Development Center, participants explored how to align an organization's mission with funding goals, develop SMART goals for proposed projects, and build mutually beneficial partnerships for digital opportunity.

The training also covered writing grant narratives, developing logic models, preparing project budgets and understanding financial management. These practical skills help equip community organizations with tools to pursue resources, develop partnerships and support initiatives that respond to local needs.

Investing in the people and organizations communities already trust is an important part of expanding digital opportunity. Stronger organizational capacity can help communities pursue funding and develop solutions that support digital inclusion and long-term growth.

Elevating Voices at the Capitol

On Thursday, Oct. 8, Voices at the Capitol brought together youth, community leaders, local and state government representatives, and AT&T to discuss the importance of digital connectivity in Arkansas.

The event elevated lived experience, community practice, youth perspectives and statewide leadership. Participants explored how connectivity supports education, workforce development, health care, access to essential services, business growth and stronger communities.

Amanda Berryhill, a 4-H state secretary from Grant County and 4-H Tech Changemaker, shared the importance of digital connectivity from a youth perspective. Through the 4-H Tech Changemakers program, Berryhill teaches digital literacy skills in communities to help bridge the digital divide. Fellow 4-H Tech Changemakers filled the audience in their signature green polos to show their support.

Program Associate Danielle Watson also read the governor's proclamation recognizing Oct. 4-10 as Digital Connectivity Week.

Special thanks to Glen Howie and Kamelle Gomez of the Arkansas State Broadband Office and Tomekia Moore, executive director of the Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association, for their partnership and commitment to advancing digital opportunity.

Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead

The week also highlighted community efforts through Connected Arkansas in Action, which showcased examples of digital opportunity, education, workforce development, telehealth and local capacity building. The closing initiative, Connected from the Start: Investing in Arkansas' Future, focused on supporting Arkansas Head Start programs and strengthening the capacity of organizations serving young children and their families.

Together, these activities reinforced the importance of collaboration among community organizations, educators, public agencies, businesses and statewide partners. Each perspective contributes to a broader understanding of what Arkansas needs to continue expanding digital opportunity.

Get Connected Arkansas Week was an opportunity to celebrate progress while recognizing the work that remains. Digital connectivity is more than access to technology; it is access to opportunity. Together, we are working toward a more connected Arkansas where all communities can learn, work, participate and thrive.