WHAT WE DO
At ACC, we see a comeback story just waiting to happen.
Our Vision:
We believe in a connected nation where every community is part of the great American story.
America’s founding documents are the bedrock of the great American story and of the belief that every person and every place matters. They are a story of possibility – of working hard today to build a better life for future generations.
Unfortunately, many communities are currently left out of this narrative. A 2019 McKinsey Global Institute study projected that in the next decade, 60% of U.S. job growth will come from just 25 cities. Moreover, persistently high-poverty counties tend to be predominantly rural. A 2020 report by the U.S. Joint Economic Committee revealed that highly educated individuals moving to major metropolitan areas are, to a large extent, leaving behind more rural and post-industrial states. This geographic concentration of our nation’s talent contributes significantly to economic stagnation and declining social capital in key regions.
As the report emphasizes, “If we are connecting less with communities and people who are different than us, we could be more likely to see adversaries among those in whom we might otherwise find a neighbor.”
Our History:
In 2021, Lead For America launched a partnership with Land O’Lakes, Microsoft, Heartland Forward and 15 other corporate partners to tackle a key cornerstone of shared economic prosperity in the 21st century: bridging the digital divide. Emerging from Lead For America’s inaugural Hometown Fellows program, 50 leaders across 14 states took part in a two-year pilot to help expand broadband infrastructure, grow digital skills and tech employment, and increase access and affordability of internet services and devices. A year into the pilot, the success of our Members inspired Lead For America to establish the American Connection Corps as a standalone program. In the Spring of 2023, Lead For America decided to make the American Connection Corps its signature AmeriCorps program, integrating the best elements of local service, professional training, and community-building from the Hometown Fellows model into the newly expanded American Connection Corps.
About the American Connection Corps
At the American Connection Corps (ACC), we are dedicated to advancing economic prosperity in digitally disconnected communities across the nation. Our mission is to connect people, places, and possibilities by leveraging the power of national service to bridge social networks, expand economic opportunities, and open up diverse perspectives.
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Founded in response to a critical need for digital inclusion, ACC emerged as a key player in closing the digital divide. In 2021, Congress allocated $65 billion towards broadband infrastructure and digital inclusion. Despite these efforts, many rural and emerging communities remain underserved, impacting workforce development, healthcare access, and agricultural economies.
ACC was established to address this gap. By placing dedicated members in local public institutions, we empower communities to attract resources, build capacity, and activate engagement in key areas such as:
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Community & Economic Development
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Health and Social Capital
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Agriculture and Natural Resources
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We believe that leaders are most effective when they have a connection to the place they seek to serve. Unlike traditional service models, ACC emphasizes that all members should have an existing appreciation for and affinity to their host community, whether through prior residence or shared cultural ties. This approach challenges the status quo and dispels the narrative that service is a pathway limited to the privileged few.
By prioritizing local connections, we aim to dispel the myths of community brain drain and encourage service as an accessible and impactful pathway for all.
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At ACC, we are constantly seeking passionate individuals and partners who share our vision of bridging the digital divide and creating equitable opportunities for all communities. Join us in our mission to connect people, places, and possibilities.
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Ready to make a difference?
For more information, reach out to us at ACCinfo@americanconnectioncorps.org. Follow us on social media for the latest updates and stories from the field.
What Makes Us
Unique
Connecting People: ACC brings together individuals who might not otherwise meet, fostering a network of diverse and empathetic leaders. Whether from different neighborhoods or regions, our members work to bridge social and economic opportunities.
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Building Places: Our members are not just visitors; they are integral parts of the communities they serve. They build lasting connections, become passionate ambassadors, and contribute to the local fabric during and after their service.
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Creating Possibilities: From telehealth to e-learning and ag tech, our members work on a range of projects that open new opportunities for the communities they serve. By leveraging digital technologies, we ensure that no community is left behind in the digital age.
