WSU's Rural Telework Project is a two-year demonstration/research project funded by a grant from USDA Fund for Rural America. The goal of the project is to strengthen and diversify the economy of rural communities through telework job creation. The project is designed to take advantage of technology advancements to provide jobs to people in rural areas. The project will assess the impacts of rural telework on employers and communities and will conclude with the development of a how-to guidebook for implementing rural telework.

WSU telework staff is appreciative of many organizations and individuals that laid the foundation for the Rural Telework Project. A special thanks to the offices of Senator Patty Murray, Governor Gary Locke, Martha Choe, the participating community leaders and the telecommunications providers that have invested the necessary infrastructure. In addition, project funding has been received from the Washington State Office of Trade and Economic Development, the U.S. Forest Service, and Washington Mutual Foundation.