Clearfield Launches Tribal Broadband Training Initiative to Bridge the Digital Divide

Clearfield, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLFD), a leader in community broadband fiber connectivity, has announced the launch of its Tribal Broadband Training Initiative, an innovative program offering workforce development and certified fiber optic technician (CFOT®) training to Tribal communities. This initiative sets the stage for significant career opportunities while addressing the growing demand for skilled fiber technicians across the United States. Developed in collaboration with industry leaders, the program aims to ensure long-term economic progress and digital inclusion for Tribal Nations by equipping Tribal members with hands-on expertise in fiber-optic technologies.

Addressing the Skills Gap in Fiber Optics

The Tribal Broadband Training Initiative stands out not only as a solution to workforce shortages in the fiber industry but as a lifeline for communities that have long struggled with limited training resources. During the pilot phase, Clearfield will hold quarterly training sessions near Tribal lands, with the first three sessions scheduled across key locations in Minnesota, Arizona, and Oklahoma in 2026. Clearfield’s dedication ensures this program caters directly to the needs of Tribal Nations, combining classroom learning with practical, real-world guidance that prepares participants for high-impact roles in broadband network deployment and sustainability.

Each session offers three days of immersive training, covering crucial aspects of inside plant, outside plant, and network access applications. Upon completion, participants earn an industry-recognized certification approved by the Fiber Optic Association (FOA), improving their employability. This approach not only creates opportunities for career stability but also fosters a sense of community pride and empowerment. As Johnny Hill, Chief Operating Officer at Clearfield and a member of the Ojibwe Nation, remarked, “Our goal is to go beyond connecting homes — it’s about connecting people to meaningful careers that strengthen their own communities for generations.”

A National Effort to Drive Broadband Equity

The timing of Clearfield’s initiative is critical. A joint study by the Fiber Broadband Association (FBA) and the Power & Communication Contractors Association (PCCA) highlights that nearly 180,000 additional workers are required over the next decade to meet national broadband expansion targets. Without sufficient workforce growth, the industry risks multi-year delays in federally funded broadband projects. By creating localized training solutions, Clearfield’s initiative directly addresses this concern while ensuring job opportunities remain within communities that need them most.

Further, the program’s focus on culturally tailored training makes it particularly impactful. As Tzeitel Buchanan, Director of Public Sector Programs and Community Partnerships at Lumen Technologies and a member of the Cherokee Nation, explained, these roles benefit not just from technical expertise but also from an understanding of Tribal customs and community needs. Such a thoughtful approach helps foster trust and engagement, vital to the successful deployment of broadband infrastructure on Tribal lands.

Building Sustainable, Connected Futures

Beyond workforce challenges, initiatives like this align with broader goals of digital inclusion and social equity. Clearfield’s focus on helping historically underserved communities underscores its commitment to supporting local development through technology. Participants in the program are not merely trained for jobs; they are empowered to contribute to long-term community-building efforts. As Kelly Weissmann, Clearfield’s Director of Technical Training and Support, noted, these are careers that enable individuals to raise families and strengthen their communities.

This program is also linked with broader educational efforts, as presented at the 2025 AISES National Conference, the largest career fair for Indigenous professionals in North America. Through such outreach, Clearfield reaffirms its mission to connect people, enhance digital literacy, and promote lasting economic opportunity. By combining state-of-the-art training with community-centered objectives, the Tribal Broadband Training Initiative sets a new benchmark for inclusivity and effectiveness in workforce development.

For those interested in participating or learning more about Clearfield’s initiative, registration details and updates on future sessions can be found on their official website. As the expansion of modern fiber networks progresses, this initiative ensures that no community is left behind in the digital age.