The MADICO MADE Youth Advisory Board is taking an active role in shaping the future of broadband access in Madison County, and they are asking local businesses and community members to help guide their work.

Made up of highly motivated high school seniors from across our community, the Youth Advisory Board is leading an advisory project focused on understanding how broadband access impacts day-to-day operations, economic growth, and quality of life. Their goal is to explore real challenges, identify opportunities, and develop meaningful recommendations that reflect the needs of Madison County.

Over the past several months, these students have taken thoughtful and intentional steps to ground their work in real-world insight. They have conducted new research on broadband access and infrastructure, examined other communities, and recently hosted a stakeholder meeting that brought together state-level, county-level, and municipal-level leaders. During this discussion, leaders shared what has worked, what has not, and where gaps still exist, providing invaluable perspective for the students’ project.

Now, the Youth Advisory Board is ready for the next phase, hearing directly from our Chamber members and local businesses. They want to understand how broadband access, or the lack of it, affects your daily operations, growth opportunities, workforce needs, and long-term plans. Just as importantly, they want to know what you would love to see in our community as broadband continues to expand.

These students are incredibly talented, curious, and driven, and we cannot wait to see the solutions they develop. However, meaningful change starts with listening, and your feedback is essential to ensuring their recommendations truly reflect the needs of Madison County.

Community members and businesses are encouraged to complete the feedback survey, which will remain open through the end of this month. Please take a few moments to share your perspective by using the link or QR code below.

Thank you for supporting the MACO MADE Youth Advisory Board, investing in the next generation of leaders, and helping shape a more connected future for our community.