Technology and Rural Communities

RAIN has received support from the USDA Rural Utility Service to serve nine rural communities in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties with internet connectivity and Distance Learning and Telemedicine Services.

RAIN is working on this project to examine what the impact of universal access to internet technology can lead to for rural communities. Will distance learning open new doors for people of all ages to increase their knowledge? Will having better access to health information improve personal and community health? Can rural communities find e- commerce solutions that strengthen their local economy and keep families working together? As we work together to provide answers to these questions, we invite you to keep an eye on the project's progress at

RAIN's Rural Distance Learning and Telemedicine Network