April 23, 2024 – Roseburg High School is thrilled to host a remarkable Broadband Career Event for its Career and Technical Education students this week. The two-day event, kicking off today and continuing into Wednesday, is a collaboration with Douglas Fast Net, Adtran, Corning Incorporated, and Ditch Witch. The purpose of the event is to introduce students to the dynamic broadband industry, its significant growth potential, and the array of professional opportunities it offers. Day one of the event will provide a unique, hands-on experience with six interactive stations set up in the campus quad. Students will get insights into the daily life of various broadband professionals, including network technicians, linemen, civil crews, home installation technicians, fiber optic cable splicers, and fiber optic engineers. On day two, students will have the opportunity to dive deeper into the industry through demonstrations, labs, and presentations. They will gain knowledge of fiber optic theory, get an overview of fiber optic networks, and learn about fiber optic cable splicing. This event is not only a fantastic opportunity for students to explore promising career pathways in broadband, but also a chance to understand the critical role of STEM subjects within this field. Approximately 800 students currently taking Career and Technical Education classes at RHS are expected to participate. "At Corning, we are deeply committed to the transformative power of education, particularly in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). These disciplines are fundamental to innovation and to the future of the broadband industry," said Barry Walton, Senior Broadband Solution Architect at Corning Optical Communications LLC, which provides fiber-to-the-home solutions to Douglas Fast Net. "Through events like the Broadband Career Day, we aim to inspire and prepare the next generation of leaders and innovators in this dynamic field — because we believe that when we invest in gifted young minds, we're investing in the future." "Partnering with Douglas Fast Net on the Broadband Career Event is an incredible opportunity for Adtran and the Roseburg community. Douglas Fast Net is committed to delivering more than just internet services; they are committed to community integration and providing education and opportunity to our youth," said Doug Payauys, Business Development Director at Adtran, one of Douglas Fast Net's fiber technology partners. "More events like this should be happening around the country; Douglas Fast Net and Roseburg High School are leading the way in developing a strong workforce for the broadband industry. Awareness and education are key for today's youth to see all the opportunities out there; along with Douglas Fast Net, Adtran is dedicated to helping our youth grow and thrive in the fields of STEM." "Douglas Fast Net is excited to participate in Roseburg High School's broadband career day and to support RHS's CTE program," said Todd Way, DFN's CEO. "Over the two-day event, we hope to teach students what career opportunities exist in the broadband industry both locally and nationally, as well as showing them the steps needed to bring broadband service to our community. This is a first-of-its-kind event for RHS and we are proud to be involved." Brett Steinacher, P20 Coordinator for Roseburg Public Schools and Umpqua Community College, said the event gives students the opportunity to hear directly from professionals in the field about real-world career options. "Oftentimes, nothing is more powerful for students than hearing from industry professionals and experts, not only regarding the importance of science, reading, writing and math but the importance of character, routines and positive habits," Steinacher said. "We appreciate Douglas Fast Net, Corning, Adtran and Ditch Witch and their employees for their investment in our students and our future." The event is part of ongoing efforts to create and illuminate career pathways available to students attending RHS and UCC. The partnership between Roseburg School District and the college focuses on meeting the needs of local employers while preparing students to work and thrive in the exciting industries that exist in Douglas County. Via Roseburg School District