Utah State University Extension’s Rural Online Initiative (ROI) has earned both national and regional recognition for its work implementing Utah's Rural Online Initiative, according to an announcement from San Juan County Economic Development on July 23, 2026. The program was honored by the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals and received the 2020 Western Extension Directors Association Award of Excellence.
National and Regional Recognition
The awards recognize the program's ability to integrate innovation into community development and its success in addressing contemporary issues across 13 Western states and Pacific Island US Territories. The initiative was made possible by funding established by the Utah State Legislature in 2018, which provided the resources for training and certifications aimed at helping rural residents join the online workforce.
Expanding Remote Workforce
The ROI program offers a Master Remote Work Professional certification, and statewide, 849 individuals have completed the course requirements to earn this professional credential. Paul Hill, a USU Extension professor and program director for the ROI, stated that the program has grown significantly over the last two years and is currently assisting hundreds of people.
Impact in San Juan County
In San Juan County, program records show that 53 individuals have enrolled in the initiative, with 27 graduates earning certificates to date. Of those who have maintained contact with the program, two are working in the freelance sector and one has established themselves as an entrepreneur using skills acquired through the training.
Pandemic Response and Growth
The program's reach expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, as it took in 239 additional participants from urban Utah counties. To accommodate those adjusting to mandatory remote work policies, all course fees for these participants were waived, and workshops were enough to teach basic video conferencing skills.
Leadership and Hiring Trends
Beyond individual training, the program includes a Master Remote Work Leader certificate course for managers. In April, the program reported 20 graduates from this leadership course, with 70 percent of those participants indicating they were likely to create remote work positions within their organizations and hire qualified rural Utah residents.
Ongoing Local Training
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Blanding has also been active in promoting various training series to support local business needs. These include the 'Back to Business' series, which addresses post-COVID changes, and a 90-day Digital Marketing Series designed to help businesses develop branding and web presence.
