Lack of Internet access is holding rural communities back. Students too.

Across Montana, thousands of students are headed back to school to begin a new year of learning and growth. Unfortunately, many students in rural Montana remain at risk of falling behind due to the lack of broadband access in their communities.

Broadband internet has become indispensable both in the classroom and at home for students to become prepared to compete in the 21st Century economy and complete and submit their assignments.

A top priority of the Montana Rural Education Association is to ensure our rural schools and communities are in a position to compete. But the homework gap created...