Technology Newaygo County is one of the most technologically advanced rural areas in the Country! A fiber optic cable telecommunication network exists that supports data, video, and voice communication capabilities that are available to all county residents. The network connects schools, municipal buildings, libraries, the hospital, private non-profit agencies, and area businesses making accessible universal Internet connectivity, technology labs, two-way interactive video classrooms, and telecommunications services. Technology Partnerships: The tremendous technology resources available in Newaygo County are due, in part, to a collaborative effort of the following agencies: The Newaygo County Regional Educational Service Agency, through its technology consortium NCATS (Newaygo County Advanced Technology Service), provides training and technical support and maintains the fiber optic network The Fremont Area Community Foundation, the largest rural-based community foundation in Michigan, provided funding for the construction of the fiber optic network The Gerber Foundation, a local private foundation, provided support for the video distance learning component of the network Area libraries provided network access points for those without access to a computer. Technology in Education: In 1995, Newaygo County was one of only 19 communities nation wide to receive a Federal Challenge Grants to integrate technology into the education system. The grant provided funding for the following: Computer Labs in all Secondary Schools Computer Workstations for all Teachers 3 Computer Workstations per Classroom Advanced Application Software Training Phones in Every Classroom and new PBX Digital Phone System for Every District Dialogue Web Online Educational Resource for Teachers Additional grants provide funding for every school district to purchase classroom technology tools including: Digital Cameras Laser Disk Players RF Monitor Boxes to Convert Digital Formats into Video Signals Digital Video Projectors LCD Screens Scanners MLMNO LinkMichigan Initiative: A team of more than 30 leaders (including NCEDO) consisting of government agencies, school districts, higher education facilities, businesses, and other community partners from Mason, Lake, Manistee, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties, rallied together to initiate the 2001 grant application for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's (MEDC) LinkMichigan initiative. The team, now known as the MLMNO LinkMichigan Task Force, is leading the campaign for high-speed internet connectivity to promote long-term economic vitality, enhanced educational opportunities, distance health care options, and enriched living in our area. For more information, visit the project website.