The state of Alabama and nonprofit Ed Farm announced the Alabama Digital Education Network, a new statewide rural workforce initiative, on Tuesday.
The initiative will receive programming and technology support from Apple, alongside connectivity support from Alabama Power.
Ed Farm, a digital education nonprofit partnership launched in 2020 by Apple and Alabama Power, wrote that ADEN “will establish future-focused community learning hubs in collaboration with anchor institutions including libraries, community centers, and schools.”
ADEN is backed by $16 million in state funding Ed Farm was granted from Alabama’s Education Trust Fund during the 2025 legislative session.
“ADEN exists to eliminate critical barriers to access and opportunity for Alabama’s workforce,” Ed Farm wrote.
Learning spaces to be established in Alabama will be located “within the state’s most rural communities” and provide digital workforce education and coding curriculum at locations in Alabama’s Black Belt and River Region.
“The launch of the Alabama Digital Education Network is a landmark moment for our state. Alabama is a national leader in both workforce development and broadband connectivity, and this initiative builds on that success by ensuring every student has access to the tools they need to succeed in our modern economy,” said Alabama Governor Kay Ivey in a written statement.
“We are bridging the digital divide, bringing the power of technology and high-quality education and workforce training directly to our most rural communities, and securing a brighter future for all Alabamians,” she continued.
The new initiative also received endorsements from Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, and Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro.
“Advancing Alabama’s digital infrastructure plays a vital role in developing our workforce and providing strong opportunities for the people of our state,” said Ledbetter. “ADEN is much more than just a partnership with Ed Farm and Apple—it is a lifeline for West Alabama and will have a generational impact on the region. This project has been over two years in the making, and I’m incredibly grateful for all of Alabama’s public and private partners’ support.”
“The launch of ADEN represents a transformative moment for the Black Belt and for our entire state,” Singleton said. “By bringing cutting-edge training, broadband infrastructure, and new opportunities directly into our communities, ADEN is helping to close long-standing gaps in access and ensure that every Alabamian has a fair shot at success in the modern workforce.”
Ed Farm wrote that the new initiative will build upon educational programming they have established over the last five years, and be “anchored by” a forthcoming workforce center planned for Alabama State University’s campus.
“Alabama State University is proud to serve as the Montgomery hub for this transformative initiative,” said ASU President Quinton Ross Jr. “As a Historically Black College and University rooted in the heart of the Black Belt, we understand the vital role access to digital infrastructure plays in closing opportunity gaps and empowering communities.”
“This partnership allows Alabama State to continue setting the pace in workforce innovation and community impact bringing bold, tech-driven solutions to the forefront of education. This initiative marks yet another historic milestone in our mission to lead, serve, and uplift,” Ross continued.
ADEN curriculum will include coding, design and app development programming, provided through the Apple Foundation Program, a free 8-week digital literacy program, alongside Ed Farm’s Pathways to Tech program, a year-long fellowship that prepares adult learners for careers in technology.
“At Apple, we have always believed in the power of education to create opportunity for learners of all ages, equipping people with the skills and tools to reach their highest potential,” said Apple Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives Lisa Jackson. “We have longstanding relationships here in Alabama to support teachers, students, and adult learners, and we are thrilled to build on that work alongside Ed Farm and state leaders.”
The initiative’s network of learning centers will be connected by broadband infrastructure installed by Alabama Power.
Alabama Power CEO Jeff Peoples highlighted his organization’s installation of more than 2,000 miles of fiber optic cable since 2017; infrastructure, he said, would help support ADEN learning centers.
“We’re grateful this infrastructure investment is helping ADEN advance workforce development and educational opportunities across rural Alabama,” said Peoples.
Ed Farm has currently launched three learning spaces located in Montgomery, Perry and Hale Counties, set to be part of ADEN’s network.
The nonprofit launched two of the learning centers, one at Hale County College and Career Academy in Greensboro and the other at Robert C. Hatch High School in Uniontown, in June and is currently planning 21 additional locations.
