The matrix of Blandin Broadband Communities has just been updated! It’s brief description of broadband adoption projects that have received Blandin Foundation support. It’s a great list if you are looking for help or inspiration for your community. I’m going to pull out just a few projects as example – check out the full list for more:

• In Cannon Falls – Cannon Rivers & The Gardens senior care centers:
  Promote wellness, stress reduction, and technology use among older adults through the purchase of four virtual reality headsets and virtual field trip subscriptions for use at the Cannon Rivers and The Gardens senior care centers.
• Koochiching Tech Initiative – Servants of Shelter – Internet for the Homeless:
  Improve internet access at Servants of Shelter, which provides emergency shelter to individuals and families in Koochiching County. The upgraded capacity will allow clients to research employment, education and housing opportunities.
• Rock County – HRA of Luverne – Blue Mound Towers Computer Lab:
  Improve technology access for lower income community members by providing computer access to tenants at the Blue Mound Tower, a 70-unit income-based housing facility in Luverne. Tenants will be encouraged to attend computer training classes at the Rock County Senior Center or Community Library.
• Swift County RDA – Training for CNC and Welding:
  Improve technical skills and employment opportunities by offering a five-week Weld and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) certificate program to Swift County residents through a combination of online, classroom and shop experience.
• East Range Police Department – Squad Car Computer Upgrade:
  Improve public safety by providing a uniform computer system in all squad cars with faster speeds, downloads, and data request capabilities.
• East Range Joint Powers Board – Hoyt Lakes Public Library – STEM Kits and STEM Kits To Go:
  Train residents of all ages about coding, robotics, using apps, and VR systems by providing STEM equipment for use at the library or for check-out to be used at home. The library will host classes, and they plan to engage the Age to Age group so students can help teach older adults.
• Small Business Development Center (Northland Fdn) – Small Business Trainings:
  Improve the technology and online marketing skills of tourism businesses to enhance their profitability through one-on-one trainings, professional design services, and equipment upgrades.
• DEED Workforce Center – Virtual Interview Room:
  Improve employment opportunities for people using the Workforce Center by providing a remote interview cubicle with a computer, camera, and microphone. The equipment may also be used for training purposes, specifically on interview skills.
• Vermilion Country School – Interactive Field Trip and Music Lab:
  Improve digital literacy skills and training opportunities for students and the public by expanding the Vermilion School computer lab into a space that can be used for interactive educational and community education programming, virtual field trips, visits with scientists and writers, along with technology to create a digital music lab, including a digital piano and other instruments.