CN’s 25th anniversary event brought together AT&T as the lead collaborator, Amazon, Netflix, and more than 25 partner organizations in delivering free digital skills training worldwide
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Sept. 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — National nonprofit Connected Nation (CN) has earned the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the “longest internet literacy live stream” after broadcasting free digital skills training without interruption. Guinness World Records states that the record is 25 hours and was achieved by Connected Nation, Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky, on September 25, 2026.
The record recognizes the longest continuous live stream in which participants learn to use digital devices, AI tools, and the internet safely.
Broadcast live from Hatfield Media’s studios in Louisville, the marathon marked CN’s 25th anniversary with 25 consecutive hour-long sessions designed to help people build the skills and confidence to navigate an increasingly digital world. The broadcast began at 9 a.m. ET on September 24 and concluded at 10 a.m. ET on September 25.
The marathon brought together experts and community leaders for practical training on artificial intelligence (AI), online safety, digital wellness, workforce skills, digital resilience, foundational digital skills, and other everyday digital needs. The sessions were designed for people at a wide range of ages and skill levels. Training partners included educators, nonprofit organizations, community organizations, libraries, and technology organizations worldwide.
The following organizations served as digital skills trainers during the event, with each hosting one or more hour-long segments focused on a variety of topics from “AI Self-Defense” to “Navigating Digital Life Together” and more. U.S.-based organizations included: Human-I-T, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) from AARP, Murray State University, United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA), LBJ Presidential Library, Compudopt, Common Sense Media, Digital Connect Initiative — Gila River Indian Community, and Tech Savvy Teens. International trainers included: The Hacking Games (U.K.), Fizzics Education and Australian Virtual Astronaut (Australia), Aimers Foundation (India and Australia), Orissa State Volunteers and Social Workers Association (India), Tunisian Association for Educational Initiatives (Tunisia), Angaza Center (Kenya), Impact Hub Harare (Zimbabwe), Causas XXI (Portugal), and Fundación Tecnológicas Conectadas (Argentina).
“We are tremendously proud of this achievement, and it simply would not have been possible without the extraordinary partners who came together around a shared mission: helping people thrive in a connected world,” said Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, CN. “We are deeply grateful to our lead collaborator, AT&T, and incredible partners and sponsors, including Netflix, Amazon, the Muhammad Ali Center, Hatfield Media, Americana World Community Center, and dozens more, who brought their expertise, energy, and heart to this effort. To celebrate 25 years of Connected Nation by accomplishing something this meaningful together is a source of pride for our entire team.”
The marathon reflects CN’s work to address a Digital Divide that extends beyond internet access to the skills people need to participate fully in a connected world. All sessions were recorded and will be made available to the public at no cost, extending the training reach beyond the live event.
“Our greatest pride comes from bringing people together across six continents and shining a global spotlight on our mission,” said Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation, CN. “This record gave us a powerful platform to champion the digital skills people need to pursue opportunities, improve their lives, and navigate the internet safely. Seeing that message resonate around the world is what makes it so meaningful. We are grateful to our awareness partners and to everyone who hosted watch parties that drew viewers to the live stream and sparked curiosity and excitement.”
Additional support came from sponsors Accredible and Educating for Leadership, which provided digital credentials for participants, and from awareness partners including the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), Moonshot, Newby Ventures, the Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband (SHLB) Coalition, and Virtual Excursions Australia. Watch parties were hosted by the Bowling Green/Warren County AARP Chapter #1967 in Kentucky and ACUTAS in Puerto Rico.
Earning the title for the “longest internet literacy live stream” also resulted in the first “Record of Good” ever awarded in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. This distinction from Guinness World Records recognizes efforts that create meaningful, positive impact in people’s lives. The designation reflects the purpose behind CN’s work for the past 25 years: improving lives through access to broadband and its related technologies.
About Connected Nation: Marking its 25th anniversary in 2026, Connected Nation is a U.S.-based national nonprofit whose mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand access to and increase the adoption and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies for all people. Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. Learn more at connectednation.org
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SOURCE Connected Nation
