Connected Nation Launches Global Digital Skills Initiative with GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS Attempt
Connected Nation (CN) is celebrating its 25th anniversary by launching a groundbreaking initiative that aims to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the longest internet literacy live stream. Scheduled to take place on September 24-25, 2026, the event titled "25 Hours. One Connected World" promises to deliver 25 consecutive hours of expert-led digital skills training, making it accessible to a global audience.
As we navigate through an increasingly digital age, it remains evident that millions still lack the necessary skills to thrive in a tech-driven economy. Recognizing this gap, CN's initiative seeks to provide vital training sessions for diverse audiences across the globe. Participants can tune in from home, at work, or join one of the numerous community host sites participating in the event.
The live stream will be broadcast from the studios of Hatfield Media in Louisville, Kentucky. The event features a series of 25 one-hour training sessions, each led by experts who specialize in various aspects of digital literacy. Topics will encompass online safety, job search tools, practical applications of artificial intelligence, and more, providing learners of all ages a chance to enhance their skills. A detailed schedule will be available on the event's official site at bit.ly/CNWorldRecord.
Tom Ferree, Chairman and CEO of CN, expressed that this initiative is not merely a celebration of their 25 years of service; it is a pivotal moment that underscores what can be achieved when communities unite with a shared purpose. He emphasized that bridging the digital divide extends beyond just providing access to high-speed internet; it necessitates equipping individuals with the confidence and knowledge to navigate technology securely and to leverage resources that can significantly improve their lives.
The initiative has already garnered encouragement from various partners across the technology, education, and nonprofit sectors. AT&T is stepping in as the Lead Collaborator, featuring alongside reputable training organizations like Compudopt, Educating for Leadership, the LBJ Presidential Library, and several others. Mylayna Albright, Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at AT&T, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that digital connectivity not only reaches individuals but is complemented with the skills necessary for meaningful engagement with that technology.
To successfully claim the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the longest internet literacy live stream, the event must adhere to strict guidelines set by the Guinness World Records organization. This includes transmitting continuously for 25 hours without interruptions exceeding one minute and maintaining a minimum viewer count of 50 at all times. Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation at CN, articulated that this effort aims to inspire and empower individuals to take action, showcasing that the impact of digital skills can be life-changing in various communities.
Should they succeed, this event could potentially mark Kentucky's inaugural GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM "Record of Good," a recognition awarded to initiatives that produce positive social change. This new venture builds on Connected Nation's longstanding mission of expanding broadband access and ensuring that communities possess the skills needed to utilize these essential technologies effectively.
Connected Nation is actively seeking partners, sponsors, and community organizations to host watch parties, amplifying reach and expanding access to digital skills training. Individuals are invited to join in by watching and supporting this transformative cause. To participate and discover how to get involved, interested parties can visit connectednation.org/25-hours-one-connected-world or bit.ly/CNWorldRecord.
For those who wish to provide support through donations, further details can be found at https://givebutter.com/cn-25-hr-marathon-fundraising-boukf1.
As Connected Nation journeys into its next chapter, the organization seeks to innovate and impact lives by fostering digital literacy and ensuring that everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.