MISSOULA - BroadbandMT (dba, the Montana Telecommunications Association-MTA) awarded its first annual rural educator stipend to Abby Stitt, fourth/fifth grade teacher at Potomac Elementary School. Stitt will receive $1,500 annually from the MTA's Rural Education Fund for three years. Additionally, Blackfoot Communications is matching MTA's stipend for Stitt for a total of $9,000.

MTA represents locally owned, community-based broadband providers serving rural Montana.

"MTA's member companies understand the importance of maintaining vibrant schools in rural Montana. These companies have been...