There’s big news from the USDA for broadband funding…

At the White House Rural Forum convened today at Pennsylvania State University, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced $32 million in loans and grants that will promote economic development and provide access to broadband in more than 80 rural American communities. Vilsack, who is chair of the first-ever White House Rural Council, convened the forum with rural policy, business and nonprofit leaders to discuss pertinent issues facing rural communities, including opportunities for economic growth and strategies for improving health care and housing.

And while I’m talking funding, I noticed a few other opportunities I wanted to add…

Technology Programs for Underserved Teens Funded
Best Buy Foundation: National Grants
The Best Buy Foundation is dedicated to providing underserved teens access to opportunities through technology that helps them excel in school and develop 21st century skills for their future careers. The Foundation’s National Grants support nonprofit organizations with national scope that create hands-on learning opportunities for underserved teens to engage in learning, experimenting, and interacting with the latest technologies. Targeted technologies include computing, digital photography, filmmaking and videography, graphic design, coding, website design, audio production, robotics, game development, and computer maintenance. Program grants, generally ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, are provided. Nonprofit organizations with existing out-of-school time programs and a proven track record of serving youth, ages 13 to 18, are eligible to apply. Organizations must be located within 25 miles of a Best Buy store or operation center, and have the ability to conduct programming in at least five cities across the country (not solely in one region). The application deadline is October 1, 2016. Visit the Best Buy website to review the National Partnership Request for Proposals, take the eligibility quiz, and submit an online application.

Technology Programs for Underserved Teens Funded
Best Buy Foundation: National Grants
The Best Buy Foundation is dedicated to providing underserved teens access to opportunities through technology that helps them excel in school and develop 21st century skills for their future careers. The Foundation’s National Grants support nonprofit organizations with national scope that create hands-on learning opportunities for underserved teens to engage in learning, experimenting, and interacting with the latest technologies. Targeted technologies include computing, digital photography, filmmaking and videography, graphic design, coding, website design, audio production, robotics, game development, and computer maintenance. Program grants, generally ranging from $100,000 to $200,000, are provided. Nonprofit organizations with existing out-of-school time programs and a proven track record of serving youth, ages 13 to 18, are eligible to apply. Organizations must be located within 25 miles of a Best Buy store or operation center, and have the ability to conduct programming in at least five cities across the country (not solely in one region). The application deadline is October 1, 2016. Visit the Best Buy website to review the National Partnership Request for Proposals, take the eligibility quiz, and submit an online application.