OPPORTUNITY: Share Your Expertise at Fiber Broadband Connect 2027

From the Fiber Broadband Association…

The Call for Speakers for Fiber Connect 2027 is now open. Fiber Connect 2027 is happening June 13–16 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center in Nashville, and the FBA Conference Committee is looking for subject-matter experts to join panels it has already developed across three programs:

  • Pre-Conference Workshops: Building the AI-Ready Broadband Network, and Sales and Marketing Best Practices
  • Breakout Sessions: Deployment Best Practices, Outside Plant, Funding Strategies, MDU, Permitting, Tribal Broadband, Business Grade Fiber, Go-to-Market, Grants and Public Funding, and Fiber Innovations
  • Specialty Programs: Neocloud, Agentic AI and Telecom Operations, AI Edge Infrastructure, Hyperscale Ready Infrastructures, Advanced Energy Grid, Supply Chain, Economic Development & Impacts, and Community Anchors

Choose the topic that fits your expertise and tell us what you would bring to the conversation. The committee reviews each submission for subject-matter expertise, a unique point of view and relevant speaking experience. Content must be non-commercial, and network operators are strongly encouraged to apply.

Submissions close November 30, 2026.

OPPORTUNITY: Apply to be a 2026 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer!

An invitation from the National Digital Inclusion Alliance…

Are you a local government doing amazing work in digital inclusion? Has your community committed to ensuring everyone has access to affordable internet and a working (and appropriate) device? Do you support and encourage, through funding and resources, quality instruction for your community members?

If so, join the 58 Trailblazers and Visionary Trailblazers and be recognized as a 2026 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer!

Applications are now open through October 13, 2026, so visit the Trailblazer page for more information and the application link. Start now!

2026 Trailblazer homepage

OPPORTUNITY: Submit Comments on the November 2027 NTIA Internet Use Survey

National Telecommunications and Information Administration is looking for feedback on their Internet Use Survey…

NTIA seeks feedback under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) on a set of questions for the November 2027 edition of the U.S. Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey (CPS). This collection of questions is known as the NTIA internet Use Survey and is also referred to as the CPS Computer and internet Use Supplement. NTIA has sponsored eighteen such surveys since 1994.

You can send an open ending email. They also have some suggested questions…

The bureau also welcomes comment on any of the following questions. Where possible, cite question numbers and propose specific, tested language:

  1. Is data from the NTIA Internet Use Survey important in 2027? Should the survey be continued?

  2. Which NTIA Internet Use Survey questions should remain unchanged in 2027 to preserve useful longitudinal time series?

  3. How should the survey questions or language be updated for technology use in 2027?

  4. Which questions should be kept because they are used by researchers, policymakers, and/or industry? Please explain how the question(s) are used.

  5. Which questions use outdated language or will not provide useful data in 2027? Should these questions be removed? If not, how should they be changed?

  6. Internet connectivity and applications have changed substantially since the survey instrument was substantively rewritten a decade ago. For example, the role of the internet in Americans’ lives is often unnoticed, from smart appliances to single-player video games that require online connections. How (if at all) should questions on the NTIA Internet Use Survey be edited, removed, or added to address the evolution of these technologies and the words we use to describe them?

  7. Commenters often suggest adding questions, but space for questions is limited. If your comment proposed additional questions, are there other questions that should be removed to make space? Or would some questions be better asked in a different venue?

  8. Are some questions (or potential questions) particularly important for policymakers or industry? Please explain. For example, as a supplement to the CPS, the nation’s primary source of labor statistics, the survey might provide key insights on internet use and the workforce.

  9. What questions (or potential questions) are of particular importance for enabling high-quality evaluation of NTIA’s broadband grant programs and other federal broadband programs? Are there particular gaps in existing program evaluation data that could be filled by adding certain questions to the NTIA Internet Use Survey?

  10. In what ways can survey language be customized to support cross-country comparison?

  11. Is there a need for more data around children’s use of the internet and digital devices? Are there particular areas that need more data, such as screen use in schools or parental perceptions of children’s tech use? Is the NTIA Internet Use Survey, a CPS supplement, the most appropriate place for this, or should that data be gathered in other ways?

  12. Is there a need for more data around artificial intelligence (AI)? Are there particular areas that need more data, such as AI use at work or home, or attitudes towards AI? Is the NTIA Internet Use Survey, a CPS supplement, the most appropriate place for this, or should that data be gathered in other ways?

OPPORTUNITY: NDIA Trailblazer Applications Now Open!

From the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA)…

NDIA is now accepting applications for the 2026 Digital Inclusion Trailblazers! Trailblazers are municipal, county, or regional governments recognized by NDIA for paving the way for excellent digital inclusion work and providing models for digitally inclusive communities committed to advancing digital equity.

“Striving for the NDIA Trailblazer indicators has helped focus and uplift our digital inclusion efforts while providing a wealth of insights from other communities to learn from. This program and our recognition have sparked new momentum and partnerships for digital equity in South Bend.” Patrick McGuire, Technology Equity Manager, City of South Bend

Apply to be a 2026 Trailblazer

OPPORTUNITY: The 2027 MTA Annual Convention (Mar 15-17) is looking for presenters

The Minnesota Telecom Alliance is planning their annual convention, which is always a good place to learn and network. They are looking for presenters…

The 2027 MTA Annual Convention & Trade Show is already taking shape, and we’re looking for knowledgeable, engaging speakers to help make this year’s educational program one of our best yet!

Monday, March 15, 2027 – Wednesday, March 17, 2027

Mystic Lake Conference Center

2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. NW

Prior Lake, MN 55372

We invite industry professionals, thought leaders, and subject-matter experts to submit presentation proposals that will provide attendees with practical insights, fresh perspectives, and valuable information they can take back to their organizations.

 

Breakout Session Information

Breakout sessions will be held on Tuesday, March 16, and Wednesday, March 17, 2027, and will be 50 minutes in length.

We’re seeking approximately 15 educational sessions that will:

  • Provide practical, real-world solutions attendees can implement.
  • Explore emerging technologies and industry trends.
  • Share innovative ideas, successful case studies, and lessons learned.
  • Introduce new tools, strategies, and best practices.
  • Challenge conventional thinking and inspire new approaches.

The MTA Event Planning Committee is seeking fresh ideas and practical expertise. While proposals are welcome on any topic relevant to our industry, members have identified the following areas as topics of particular interest. We encourage sessions that are educational, interactive, and focused on real-world applications.

Help us create an engaging program that keeps attendees Connected to What’s Next.

OPPORTUNITY: LSTA Professional Development Travel Grants

OK, these are more broadband-adjacent, but hopefully helpful to some readers from the MN Library Services..

Two New Grant Opportunities

State Library Services is pleased to announce two Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) competitive grant opportunities for Federal Year 2026.

LSTA Professional Development Travel Grants

  • $100,000 is available to fund 30 to 75 staff in attending professional development between Fall 2026 and Summer 2027. Visit the LSTA Professional Development Grants page to find instructions and application materials, and a timeline for this grant opportunity. Applications for LSTA Professional Development Travel Grants are due July 24, 2026.

LSTA Literacy Grants

  • $300,000 is available to fund projects and activities that improve access to services and information in areas of literacy. Visit the LSTA Literacy Grant page to find instructions and application materials, and a timeline for this grant opportunity. Applications for LSTA Literacy Grants are due July 15, 2026.

To learn more about the current LSTA grant opportunities, please attend an upcoming grant guidance webinar on Monday, June 22, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. There is no need to pre-register; just click on the link to attend.

If there are questions or additional information is needed, please contact Maddie Rudawski (maddie.rudawski@state.mn.us), State Library Services, 651-582-8400.

OPPORTUNITY: Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee is looking for members

From the MN Secretary of State Office…

— The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State (OSS) is providing notice that various state boards, councils, committees, and task forces are accepting applications for open seats.

New vacancies are listed below. See the complete list of 498 seats on the OSS Open Positions webpage. Use the search fields on that webpage to find a specific board or position. Or click on the hyperlinks below to learn more about boards and their respective positions.

If position descriptions aren’t listed for the seats you’d like to apply to, contact the board staff for more information on member duties, qualifications, required application material, and more. See the Request Information section below for tips on contacting board staff.

Apply for a Position

Detailed instructions on finding a position, submitting an application, and related information are provided on the Boards & Commissions Help & How To webpage.

And the positions that I thought might be of interest to readers…

Minnesota e-Health Advisory Committee
Vacancies: 3 Seats — Academics and Research
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Community Clinics/Fed Qual. Health Centers
Vacancies: 2 Seats — Consumer Member
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Health Care Administrator
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Health Care Purchasers and Employers
Vacancies: 2 Seats — Health IT Vendors
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Health System Chief Information Officer
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Hospital Representatives
Vacancies: 4 Seats — Licensed Health Professionals (Physician/Nurse)
Vacancies: 1 Seat — Long Term and Post-Acute Care
Vacancies: 2 Seats — Professional with Expert Knowledge in Health IT
Vacancies: 2 Seats — Rotating Professionals – Additional Health Settings (Dentists, Pharmacists, Behavior Health Laboratory, Home Health, Social Services, etc)

Get more info

OPPORTUNITY: USDA applications open for grants to build community-oriented broadband for in rural areas

From the USDA…

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development invites grant applications to build community-oriented, high-speed internet networks for people in rural areas.

USDA Rural Development is making approximately $17 million available under the Community Connect Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance to eligible applicants that will provide broadband service in rural, economically challenged communities where service does not exist.

Community Connect funds may be used for:

  • The construction, acquisition, or leasing of facilities, spectrum, land or buildings used to deploy broadband service.
  • The cost of providing broadband service free of charge to critical community facilities for two years.
  • The improvement, expansion, construction or acquisition of a community center that provides public access to high-speed internet (up to 10% of the award amount or $150,000 may be used for this purpose).

Award recipients must agree to provide high-speed internet service at community-serving institutions free of charge for up to two years. These institutions include schools, libraries, fire stations and other public safety sites.

Eligible applicants include state and local governments, federally recognized Tribes, nonprofits, for-profit corporations and limited liability companies.

Applications must be submitted electronically no later than June 29, 2026. Additional program information is available on the Community Connect Program website. Interested applicants are encourage to contact their Telecom Program General Field Representative (GFR) and may submit questions using the Community Connect Contact Us Form.

 

OPPORTUNITY: MN Technology Advisory Council seats open

An opportunity from the MN Boards & Commission…

Technology Advisory Council
Vacancies: 1 Seat — State Agency Business Planning – Member

More info…

Membership
The Council will be comprised of the following voting members:
a. Fifteen voting members:
i. Membership includes one member designated by Minnesota Association of Counties; six members appointed by the governor, who are actively involved in business planning for state executive branches; one member appointed by the governor, representative of union that represents state information technology employees; and one member appointed by the governor who is a representative of private business.
ii. Six additional members selected by the Governor and Lieutenant
Governor with private-sector or public-sector IT experience or
experience in academia pertaining to IT
b. Four ex-officio non-voting members:
i. A member of the Minnesota House of Representatives selected by the
Speaker of the House
ii. A member of the Minnesota House of Representatives selected by the
Minority Leader
iii. A member of the Minnesota Senate selected by the Majority Leader
iv. A member of the Minnesota Senate selected by the Minority Leader
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor will designate one of the fifteen voting
members to serve as the Council’s Chair.
Which seals? (Some discrepancy between the email and the website)..
Private Business Representative Private Business Representative Governor 8/18/2025

And

State Agency Business Planning – Member State Agency Business Planning – Member #6 Governor 3/16/2026

OPPORTUNITY in the Twin Cities: Computer training and access to a free computer

An opportunity from Project Nandi in the Twin Cities…

Neighbors Connect for Family and Individuals

This program distributes free laptops, and helps families and individuals get digital access. The orientation session will go over day to day digital skills like:

·    Understand how to power on computer

·    Connect to internet

·    Open browser

·    Check email

·    Join and access Google Meet

During the training we will go over how to access the Northstar digital literacy program. This will allow participants to further their digital knowledge. Once the participant completes their training they will be given a no-cost laptop.

Register online

NDIA announce 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazers including Hennepin County and City of Hopkins

NDIA reports on their 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, including Hennepin County and City of Hopkins in Minnesota… [Correction – early I attributed the award to NTIA.]

Entering our ninth year of Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, in 2025 we are proud to recognize new and returning awardees for our annual program. Trailblazers demonstrate the important role that municipal, county, and regional governments play to bring digital opportunities to their residents.

 

Highlights from this year include:

  • 58 communities recognized
  • 25 states represented
  • Almost 900 individual resources and documents

The communities listed here demonstrate contemporary best practices in the rapidly growing digital inclusion field.

OPPORTUNITY: Google AI Essentials Training at NO COST!

I got this from the NDIA Listserv – and I double checked to make sure it wasn’t just for the Palmetto community…

Palmetto Goodwill is offering Google AI Essentials and Google Prompting Essentials at no cost!  This training is designed to help individuals strengthen digital skills that are essential in today’s workforce. AI literacy is becoming a key requirement across many industries, and this training can open doors to better employment options—especially for those rebuilding their lives after incarceration.

 

Course Benefits:

  • Free access to a Coursera certificate course
  • Learn the fundamentals of AI, including real-world applications
  • Optimize AI interactions through effective prompting tactics
  • Self-paced online learning—complete on your own schedule
  • Earn a Coursera Certificate to boost your resume or LinkedIn profile

 REGISTER: Google Coursera Professional Certificates | Palmetto Goodwill

Those with a large number of interested learners may submit a list that includes each participant’s first and last name, along with their email address, to digitalskills@palmettogoodwill.org.

Feel free to enroll and share the opportunity within your organization and across your community networks.

OPPORTUNITY AT Net Inclusion: Voices of Digital Inclusion: A Creative Showcase of Art, Music, and Words Participant Form

Net Inclusion is happening in Chicago Feb 3-5. If you are (or are thinking about) attending, here’s a bonus opportunity…

Voices of Digital Inclusion: A Creative Showcase of Art, Music, and Words is a 90-minute breakout session at Net Inclusion 2026 grounded in creative expression and community voice. For the second year in a row, this session has been selected for the conference—an affirmation of how vital art, storytelling, and shared expression are to the digital inclusion movement.

This gathering invites people of all backgrounds and creative practices to share what they carry—art, stories, experiences, or reflections. We welcome poets, storytellers, singers, musicians, writers, visual artists, multimedia creators, performers, cultural workers, community organizers, digital stewards, archivists, technologists with a story, educators, students, activists, healers, improvisers, and those who don’t use any of these labels but feel called to share.

At a time when digital inclusion work is facing real pressures—funding cuts, burnout, and widening disparities—we’re carving out space for something both simple and profound: CONNECTION. Through art, music, and words, we gather to reflect, resist, and reconnect with ourselves, our work, and one another.

This creative showcase is a community-rooted space where every emotion is welcome and every voice matters. Whether your medium is poetry, storytelling, song, movement, visuals, memory work, or something entirely your own, we invite you to bring what feels true for you. Your creativity, your story, and your presence help shape a space of care, courage, and belonging.

We are issuing an open call for participants who would like to share during the session. If you feel called to contribute your voice or creative expression, please complete this short interest form.

OPPORTUNITY: 2026 Ignite Cup are officially open, now!

Red Wing Ignite invites applications…

If you’re an entrepreneur within the 11-county E1 region with a big idea—or an existing business ready to grow—this is your opportunity to compete for cash prizes, mentorship, and a guaranteed semifinalist spot in the MN Cup.

 

The Ignite Cup runs December through March, with finalists pitching live on March 26, 2026. Don’t miss your chance to accelerate your business with regional support and expert guidance.

Here’s more on the opportunity…

The Ignite Cup is the top premier business ‘pitch’ competition in southeastern Minnesota.

It’s a chance for startup founders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners to present their business ideas to a panel of experts. Winning comes with a cash prize and valuable resources, but even participating in the competition helps emerging businesses attract investors and customers.

Started by IgniteMN, the Ignite Cup has experienced remarkable growth, largely attributed to the invaluable support of the Entrepreneur’s First (E1) Collaborative and a pivotal partnership with Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF).

OPPORTUNITY: Agriculture Research, Education, Extension, And Technology Transfer Advisory Panel

The Agriculture Research, Education, Extension, And Technology Transfer Advisory Panel is looking for two new members. Here’s more info…

Panel membership includes: one member each as named by the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Farmers Union, MN Soybean Research and Promotion Council, MN Corn Research and Promotion Council, MN Barley Research and Promotion Council, MN Wheat Research and Promotion Council, MN Sunflower Council, MN Cultivated Wild Rice Council, MN Canola Research and Promotion Council, MN Area 1 Potato Research and Promotion Council, MN Area II Potato Research and Promotion Council, MN Turkey Research and Promotion Council, MN Beef Research and Promotion Council, MN Dairy Research and Promotion Council, MN Dry Edible Bean Research and Promotion Council, MN Pork Board, and Minnesota Indian Affairs Council; four open appointments for one representative each of agriculture industry statewide, an association of primary manufacturers of forest products, organic or sustainable agriculture, and statewide environment and natural resource conservation organizations.
The Panel is advisory to the Commissioner of Agriculture and the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences at the University of Minnesota on investments to achieve long-term agricultural productivity increases through improved infrastructure, vision, and accountability in agricultural research and technology transfer, agriculture rapid response, and agricultural education.