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It is accepted in economic development and public policy circles that a strong K-12 education system attracts and retains businesses,\xa0while contributing\xa0some of the local\xa0workforce. What may be less understood is how to maximize broadband networks to drive the economic outcomes that education promises. \xa0\xa0\xa0\n\nEducationSuperHighway is a nonprofit that provides services, staff and public policy advocacy to help schools maximize their use of broadband\xa0and lower the technology's cost. Of particular significance is the organization's efforts to help reform the $2.5 billion FCC eRate program that funds schools' broadband networks nationwide.\xa0\n\nEvan Marwell, CEO and Founder of EducationSuperHighway, describes\xa0his team's unique approach, current successes and future plans.\xa0He also discusses some of the complex processes necessary to leverage broadband and education technologies to influence economic outcomes\xa0including funding.\xa0A recent survey of economic development professionals reveals\xa0that 40% value eRate, but another 45% feel the program is hard to implement even though it ultimately\xa0benefits schools.