Share This Article
NEXT, Powered by NAEC has raised nearly $15,000 for area school districts this school year through its Fuel the Future initiative.
NEXT contributed $12,000 to local districts in 2025. Additional support came from local business partners, including FNBC, Danfoss, Lakeview Auto and Century Bank of the Ozarks. The added contributions raised the total impact of the program.
Each participating district will receive funding to support student core needs. The funds can be used to cover outstanding student meal balances, provide food for students to take home through weekend and break backpack programs and purchase essential school supplies.
The goal is to reduce hunger and financial barriers so students can focus on schoolwork, said Cortney Varner, marketing and business development director for NEXT.
“Through our Fuel the Future initiative, our hope is that students are able to worry less about being hungry and are better able to focus on learning,” Varner said. “With the added support of our local business partners, we’re able to make an even greater impact on students in our communities and help set them up for success.”
School districts receiving funding include Calico Rock, Cave City, Cotter, Highland, Hillcrest, ICC, Mammoth Spring, Melbourne, Mountain Home, Norfork, Salem and Viola.
NEXT, Powered by NAEC is a wholly owned subsidiary of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative. The company provides high-speed fiber-optic internet and phone services to approximately 23,000 subscribers. Offices are located in Salem, Mountain Home and Ash Flat.
More information is available at mynextfiber.com or by calling 870-895-3221.
