Affiliates

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Affiliate Program

About

The Remote Online Initiative (ROI) is an innovative and forward-thinking USU Extension program designed to prepare rural communities for the future of work. The ROI program provides specialized training to prepare individuals for success in a rapidly changing economy.

Vision

We see a vibrant future for rural communities throughout the United States, one where residents are not limited by geographic opportunities, but capable of obtaining well-paying remote jobs through reliable internet connectivity.

Mission

Our mission is to prepare rural communities for the future by (1) offering relevant educational experiences, (2) connecting people to modern employment opportunities, and (3) developing innovative solutions for community needs.

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Step 1

Please carefully review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section below.

Read FAQ's
 

Step 2

Participate in the Certified Remote Work Professional online course!

Apply Here
 

Step 3

Schedule an appointment with your assigned program specialist to discuss next steps after course completion.

Schedule Appointment
 

Why become an affiliate?

  • Access to the only personalized, research-based remote work training program
  • Empower rural communities through remote work
  • Bring economic diversification to rural areas
  • Ongoing training and support to coach and mentor rural residents
  • Connect remote workers within your community
  • Expand skills in community organizing through the ROI Affiliate's Toolkit and hands-on experience
  • Join a national community of ROI program affiliates and share remote work training resources
  • Build your land grant university's brand equity
  • Learn more by reading our Case Statement


Frequently Asked Questions

Pricing: $149/student + $150 per month or $149/student + $1,500 for a flat annual fee, a savings of $300.
This operating fee will begin starting January 1st, 2022 and includes:



  • One dashboard to access student information from your region within our CRM/database.

  • A Remote Online Initiative co-branded marketing kit

  • Program Specialist trainings

  • Canvas TA access/trainings

  • Creation of custom Participation Code

  • Invoicing/payment processing 

  • Co-branded certificates will be award to your graduates

See our impacts accross the state of Utah by clicking here.


  1. You will need to first decide on a main point-of-contact which will be reffered to as your "program specialist"  or specialist for your region. You may have up to 4 program specialists from your region/state/organization participate in this program. 

  2. Affiliate Program specialists are expected to moderate workshops, grade assignments for students in your region, attend monthy specialist meetings, meet with students for one-on-one coaching sessions, etc.

  3. Depending on the number of students enrolling from your region we recommend setting aside X hours per week per X number of students. 

We're glad you asked! Check out some of our featured Success Stories here.


  1. The first step is to take the Certified Remote Work Professional course; this is the best way to understand the program and its offerings. This certification is also required in order to become an affiliate program coordinator.

  2. After certifying, participants in our course have the option to meet one-on-one virtually with their assigned program specialists for a Career Coaching session. This is when you will have the opportunity to schedule a time to meet with your assigned program specialist to go over the next steps to becoming an affiliate and to answer any remaining questions you have.

  3. During the scheduled meeting with your assigend program specialist we will address program implementation in your region (i.e. student intake, payment methods, trainings, marketing materials, co-branding, etc.)