Category Archives: Opportunities

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

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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!

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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

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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.

 

OPPORTUNITY: Nominate a 2026 I Love My Librarian Award

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Broadband adjacent, but libraries and librarians have been supporting broadband access and adoption across Minnesota, so this is an opportunity for some folks to give a gift and for others to remember that libraries make good partners…

Nominations Now Open!

Nominate a librarian you love for the 2026 I Love My Librarian Award – they could win $5,000 and the recognition of a lifetime! Nominations close December 15, 2025!

Has a librarian made a difference in your life or gone above and beyond to serve your community? The I Love My Librarian Award invites library users like you to recognize the accomplishments of exceptional public, school, college, community college, or university librarians. Each year, up to 10 librarians are honored at a ceremony held in their honor and receive a $5,000 cash award.

Since the award was established in 2008, 170 librarians have received this distinguished honor. In that time, library users nationwide have shared more than 24,000 nominations detailing how librarians have gone above and beyond in their commitment to inclusivity, literacy, and digital access.
Nominate now!

 

OPPORTUNITY: Apply for the Seven Star Communities 2025 recognition

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From the NDIA (National Digital Inclusion Alliance…

Our application is now open for the next month to apply for the Seven Star Communities 2025 recognition! This is a digital inclusion recognition, hosted by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, in partnership with AMERIND.

Last year, we launched the Seven Star Communities recognition, which identified eight outstanding communities working towards bridging the digital divide for their people, nation, and future. We want to build that momentum this year by personally inviting your Tribal community to apply for this recognition.

If you’re unsure how well you think you’ll score, we have provided a Scoring Worksheet to help understand the seven indicators and what is needed to achieve Seven Star Community Status. Here are the indicators:

1. Community Champion

2. Planning Process

3. Tribal Government Support

4. Tribal Resources Available to Support Work

5. Place-based Digital Equity Programs

6. Being a Steward for a Digital Equity Ecosystem

7. Our Stories

Here is the link to this year’s 2025 application form. Applications are due October 20, 2025! This year’s Seven Star Communities recipients will be celebrated at Net Inclusion 2026 in Chicago, IL!

MN Tools to promote Application for Educational Benefits – including Internet and utility discounts

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Below is information from the Department of Education to promote Application for Educational Benefits. I thought some readers might be in a position to share these with patrons and some reader might appreciate a reminder to apply…

The Application for Educational Benefits does more than connect eligible families to important supports — it also helps schools access critical funding for programs and student services. Even now that school meals are provided at no cost, a drop in applications can reduce resources for your school community.

This toolkit includes flyers, posters, social media graphics, sample messages, and outreach templates to help schools and districts explain why the form still matters and encourage more families to complete it.

The Application for Educational Benefits may help eligible families access:
• Summer grocery support (Sun Bucks)
• Internet and utility discounts
• Test fee waivers
• Tutoring and after-school programs
• Local discounts at museums and events

Flyers and Posters

Download a printable flyer (8.5″ x 11″) or poster (11″ x 17″) that explains why the Application for Educational Benefits matters — and how it can support eligible families and schools. Use the flyer for handouts, newsletters, or email attachments. Display the poster in hallways, entryways, and community spaces.

Flyers (8.5″ x 11″)

Download in English
Download in Spanish
Download in Somali
Download in Hmong

Posters (11″ x 17″)

Download in English
Download in Spanish
Download in Somali
Download in Hmong

Social Media Graphics and Captions

Download the ready-to-use graphics and matching captions for Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms. Each file name clearly identifies its format (horizontal, square, or vertical) so you can choose the right size for your post. Just download the file to your computer, copy the graphics, copy the captions, and add your school’s link or QR code.

Design Option 1 (Text with White Background)

Download Horizontal Graphic
Download Vertical Graphic
Download Square Graphic

Design Option 2 (Text with Dark Blue Background)

Download Horizontal Graphic
Download Vertical Graphic
Download Square Graphic

Design Option 3 (Image on White Background)

Download Horizontal Graphic
Download Vertical Graphic
Download Square Graphic

Social Media Captions

Download Social Media Captions

Sample Press Release

Download Sample Press Release

Prewritten Message Toolkit

Download Prewritten Message Toolkit

OPPORTUNITY: Funding from NCOA for older adult digital literacy

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Sorry – I misread the deadline. It was Aug 22, NOT open Aug 22 to Oct 1.

The National Council on Aging reports on the opportunity…

The National Council on Aging and AT&T invite senior centers and community-based organizations serving older adults to apply for a new funding opportunity aimed at improving older adults’ skills and confidence in using technology. This initiative helps older adults feel more comfortable with everyday technology, staying connected with friends and family, finding information online, using mobile devices, and protecting themselves from online scams.

More details…

Key highlights of the collaboration with AT&T to help older adults use the internet safely and confidently:

  • Each participating senior center and community-based organization will receive training, materials, and  curriculum to provide in-person workshops and one-to-one support to improve digital literacy.

  • Participating organizations may apply for one of three tiers of funding, each tied to a specific impact goal based on the number of older adult participants they will engage in digital literacy programming. Organizations can select the tier that best matches their capacity and community reach. Funding amounts range from $4,500 to $9,000

  • Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 22, 2025 and the project will begin on Oct.1, 2025

  • Senior centers and community-based organizations in all states are eligible to apply. Those in AT&T’s key U.S. service areas are especially encouraged to apply. (See the map below for AT&T’s key coverage areas.)

Minnesota is not shown as an AT&T service region on their map…

OPPORTUNITY: Presidential AI Challenge – a sort of hackfest for students

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This information comes from the MN Department of Education newsletter for librarians, but I thought there might be some readers who are librarians, community educators or tech/robotics coaches with an interest…

The Presidential AI Challenge is a national challenge where K-12 youth, educators, mentors, and community teams come together to solve real-world problems in their communities using AI-powered solutions, with an opportunity to showcase their solutions at a national level.

The challenge is open to youth teams in kindergarten through grade 12; each team must have a supervising adult such as a parent, mentor, educator, or community leader. Educator teams are also eligible. Registration opens September 2025.

Your library can support the challenge by:

  • sharing the challenge with your networks—schools, youth programs, educators, parents, and community leaders.
  • encouraging local schools, afterschool and out-of-school programs, or youth-serving organizations to participate and/or support team formation.
  • promoting registration via newsletters, social media, and events.

OPPORTUNITY: Net Inclusion 2026 Call for Proposals Due Monday Aug 25

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An invitation from the NDIA to present at their annual conference…

Just a quick reminder that proposals are due Monday, 8/25. Here are helpful links, with more found in the FAQ:

Also, another reminder that all speakers and proposers must be NDIA affiliates. Membership is FREE, and the benefits are PLENTIFUL! Here’s the link:

OPPORTUNITIES: MN State Board, Council, and Committee Vacancies

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There were two sets of State board seat vacancies that I thought might be of interest to some readers…

  • Launch Minnesota Advisory Board
    Vacancies: 7 Seats – Private Business Representative (Entrepreneurs, large businesses, industry organizations, investors, and private small business assistance providers, Greater Minnesota or Metro Area)
  • Technology Advisory Council
    Vacancies: 1 Seat – Private Business Representative

OPPORTUNITY: Universal Service Fund (USF) Working Group – Request for Comment

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Senator Fischer reports on an opportunity for folks to comment on the USF (Universal Service Fund)…

The USF Working Group reorganized in June – led by Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Chair and Ranking Member of the Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, and joined by Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Jackie Rosen (D-NV). Representatives Richard Hudson (R-NC9) and Doris Matsui (D-CA7), Chair and Ranking Member of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, lead the Group’s efforts in the House. Together, the bipartisan, bicameral USF Working Group invites public input about the future of the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service Fund.

Today, the USF comprises the High-Cost Program, Low-Income (Lifeline) Program, Schools and Libraries (E-Rate) Program, and the Rural Health Care Program. The Working Group aims to provide a bipartisan forum to guide reforms to the USF, ensuring that connectivity reaches Americans in every community across the nation.

The Working Group seeks comments from stakeholders across the country to explore the current state of the Fund, and assess proposals for the Fund’s modernization and reliable support of voice and broadband services into the future – particularly following the Supreme Court’s decision in Federal Communications Commission v. Consumers’ Research (consolidated with Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition v. Consumers’ Research).

OPPORTUNITY: Libraries Without Borders US is looking for library partner

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From Libraries Without Borders US…

Library-School Partnership Request for Proposal (RFP)

Enhancing library access for youth and families through their local schools

Libraries Without Borders US (LWB US) is growing its partnership base across the country in order to increase library access and usage for underserved youth and families! This initiative aims to enhance partnerships between local schools, school libraries, and public libraries.

Through this Request for Proposal (RFP), LWB US will select five (5) public libraries or library systems with high levels of community need and a commitment to sustain successful efforts launched through the partnership.

Selected partners will receive technical assistance for community data collection and analysis, strategy and development for school-library partnerships, implementation support, ongoing evaluation, and sustainability planning. To nurture a successful partnership, LWB US will provide supplies and materials up to $5,000 to support the implementation of school-library initiatives. Please note that LWB US is not a grant funder. We partner with public libraries and library systems in order to increase community access to and engagement with resources and offerings.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted July 1, 2025 through August 31, 2025. 

 See Library-School Partnership RFP for more details and submission instructions.

Apply Now

OPPORTUNITY: Library-School Partnership RFP from Libraries Without Borders

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An opportunity from Libraries Without Borders...

Libraries Without Borders US (LWB US) is growing its partnership base across the country in order to increase library access and usage for underserved youth and families! This initiative aims to enhance partnerships between local schools, school libraries, and public libraries.

 

Through this Request for Proposal (RFP), LWB US will select five (5) public libraries or library systems with high levels of community need and a commitment to sustain successful efforts launched through the partnership.

 

Selected partners will receive technical assistance for community data collection and analysis, strategy and development for school-library partnerships, implementation support, ongoing evaluation, and sustainability planning. To nurture a successful partnership, LWB US will provide supplies and materials up to $5,000 to support the implementation of school-library initiatives. Please note that LWB US is not a grant funder. We partner with public libraries and library systems in order to increase community access to and engagement with resources and offerings.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted July 1, 2025 through July 31, 2025. 

 See Library-School Partnership RFP for more details and submission instructions.

Apply Now

 

OPPORTUNITY: Applications are now open for TechCongress January 2026 Congressional Fellowships

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TechCongress reports…

We’re excited to share that applications for our January 2026 Congressional Innovation Fellowships are OPEN
Are you interested in leveraging your background in technology to help guide policymaking in Congress? Maybe you know someone who is? Each year, TechCongress connects subject matter experts in technology with congressional offices and committees to help legislate our nation’s most critical tech issues. To date, TechCongress has placed 123 fellows with a passion for civil service on Capitol Hill to advise on tech policy. This year, we’re aiming to recruit 20 skilled technologists who will join Democratic and Republican offices and committees across the House and Senate to support legislation.
We’re also expanding our 2026 fellow profiles to include the following verticals, and encourage individuals specializing in one or more of these areas to apply:
🌍 Climate tech
🚀 Space science
💻 Digital service delivery

 

OPPORTUNITIES: Apply to be a 2025 Digital Inclusion Fellow

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An opportunity from NTEN…

NTEN’s Digital Inclusion Fellowship supports professionals working at organizations with deep connections to communities most impacted by digital divides that would benefit from digital literacy programs.

All fellows are supported to design and implement a digital inclusion program tailored to the their specific needs and contexts. …

Applications for the fellowship are now open.

Two forms must be submitted. Potential fellows should submit an application, and their supervisors should submit a form affirming their support of the fellow’s time commitment. Both forms must be submitted to be considered for the fellowship. If you have questions about applying, email us, and we’ll be happy to help.