Beyond the Record: A 25-Hour Bid for Global Digital Literacy

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – July 15, 2026 – In an era defined by rapid technological acceleration, the gap between the digitally connected and the digitally literate is becoming a critical fault line in our global society. Addressing this, the nonprofit Connected Nation is embarking on an audacious initiative that marries the spectacle of a world record attempt with the profound mission of global empowerment. On September 24-25, the organization will host “25 Hours. One Connected World.,” a continuous live stream aiming to set the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the “longest internet literacy live stream.”

While the prospect of a world record provides a compelling hook, the strategy behind the event reveals a much deeper understanding of modern challenges. For 25 consecutive hours, a global coalition of experts will deliver free digital skills training, accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This is not merely about teaching people how to use the internet; it is a direct response to a world where digital proficiency dictates access to employment, education, healthcare, and economic stability.

“The digital world is evolving faster than ever,” said Tom Ferree, Chairman and CEO of Connected Nation (CN). “Jobs increasingly require digital skills. Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries. Online threats are growing more sophisticated. Yet millions of people still lack the knowledge and confidence needed to fully participate in today's economy. This initiative is about meeting that challenge head-on.”

Beyond the Spectacle: Building a Lasting Digital Legacy

The true innovation of “25 Hours. One Connected World.” lies in its strategic design for longevity. Unlike many awareness campaigns that fade after the event, this initiative is structured to create a permanent, compounding asset for communities worldwide.

“While the record attempt is drawing lots of attention, this is truly about creating lasting impact that extends far beyond a single day,” explained Heather Gate, Executive Vice President of Digital Transformation at CN. The core of this strategy is the pledge to repurpose all 25 hours of expert-led content. Every session—from navigating AI tools in daily life to mastering online safety—will be edited, cataloged, and made available at no cost, creating a rich, evergreen library of digital skills training.

The logistical undertaking is significant. To qualify for the record, the live stream must maintain a minimum of 50 concurrent viewers for the entire 25-hour duration, a feat requiring meticulous planning and global coordination. The broadcast will follow the sun, featuring instructors from different time zones, from the United States to Australia, Africa, and Europe. This ensures not only a diverse range of expertise but also a continuous global audience. The requirement guarantees that at least 1,250 people will receive direct training during the live event, a tangible and immediate impact before the content is even archived.

A New Blueprint for Collaborative Impact

Solving a problem as pervasive as the digital skills gap cannot be done in isolation. Connected Nation has architected this event as a powerful demonstration of collaborative impact, assembling a broad coalition of partners from the corporate, nonprofit, and educational sectors. AT&T has signed on as Lead Collaborator, lending significant weight and resources to the initiative. This partnership reflects a growing understanding in the corporate world that connectivity is only half the battle; meaningful adoption and skilled use are what ultimately improve lives.

The roster of training partners further illustrates the event's comprehensive approach. Organizations like OATS from AARP are bringing expertise in serving older adults, a demographic often left behind by technological shifts. Human-I-T, which focuses on providing technology to underserved communities, ensures the mission remains grounded in equity. The inclusion of global educators like Fizzics Education and the Australian Virtual Astronaut highlights the initiative's international scope and its appeal to learners of all ages. This network, which also includes the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) and the LBJ Presidential Library, is built on a shared conviction: digital literacy is a foundational life skill for the 21st century.

This model of a central nonprofit acting as a convener for a diverse group of specialized partners offers a new blueprint for tackling large-scale social challenges. It leverages the unique strengths of each organization to create a whole far greater than the sum of its parts, amplifying both the message and the tangible outcomes.

Redefining Literacy for the AI Age

The curriculum of the 25-hour marathon speaks volumes about the evolving definition of literacy in 2026. The training goes far beyond basic computer skills, directly addressing the technologies that are actively reshaping our world. Sessions dedicated to the practical use of artificial intelligence tools, for instance, aim to demystify a technology that is rapidly moving from a niche concept to a daily utility. By teaching citizens how to use AI productively and ethically, the event democratizes access to one of the most powerful tools of our time.

Cybersecurity and online safety are other critical pillars of the training. In a landscape rife with sophisticated online threats and misinformation, knowing how to protect one's personal information and navigate the digital world safely is as essential as locking one's front door. The training will equip participants with the knowledge to identify scams, protect their privacy, and engage in online discourse responsibly.

From applying for jobs using modern digital tools to accessing telehealth services, the skills being taught are not abstract concepts but practical necessities for navigating modern life. This focus on immediate, real-world application is key to the initiative's goal of improving lives and fostering economic opportunity.

A 25-Year Foundation for a 25-Hour Sprint

This ambitious global event also serves as a capstone for Connected Nation as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. Over the past quarter-century, the organization has been a steadfast force in the mission to expand broadband access and adoption, reporting an impact on over 21 million people. This history provides a deep well of experience and credibility. The 25-hour live stream is not a sudden pivot but a natural evolution of its long-term mission, applying 25 years of learning to a single, high-impact event designed to catalyze the next phase of digital inclusion.

The marathon broadcast is both a reflection on a quarter-century of progress and a powerful call to action for the work that remains. It is an invitation for individuals, communities, and organizations to participate in a moment of collective learning and to become stakeholders in a more connected, equitable future.

As Tom Ferree noted, the event represents a unique convergence of past, present, and future. “In 25 hours, we will build on 25 years of impact and help spark what comes next. This is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities everywhere to learn something new, support a meaningful mission, and be part of making history.”