Digital Inclusion Fellowship over an image of two older woman working on a laptop with a younger woman nearby

Applications are open for the 2020 Digital Inclusion Fellowship

By: Leana Mayzlina
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Over the last few months, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically exposed digital inequity across the U.S. While services have been moving online for the past decade, the sudden rush to move everything online, including attending classes, applying for government benefits, and practicing religion, has left many Americans excluded from fully participating in their communities. With almost a third of U.S. adults not using home broadband, even those who are comfortable navigating online are finding their internet connections taxed as multiple family members all try to make video calls simultaneously.

NTEN has long advocated that every organization needs to recognize the role of digital equity in meeting its mission. Our annual Digital Inclusion Fellowship is a precious opportunity to expand your programs and strengthen community ties.

About the fellowship

Launched in 2015 in partnership with Google Fiber, the Digital Inclusion Fellowship builds capacity and leadership in nonprofits to address digital inequity in their communities. Fellows join a year-long, project-based, professional development cohort. They create and implement ambitious projects to increase opportunities for adults in their communities to learn essential digital skills and will receive grants to help launch their programs.

Previous fellows have implemented impressive and groundbreaking projects. Emma Hernandez, a fellow in San Antonio, launched a hotspot lending program that allows library patrons to bring their connectivity home. She also developed a volunteer program that supported 200 library patrons in connecting with workforce resources. Felicia Tillman, a fellow from Atlanta, formed partnerships to bring digital literacy training to uniquely sweet spaces. You can read more about past fellows’ projects (and get inspired to start your own!) in our Digital Inclusion Toolkit, program fact sheets, and blog.

Learn more

  1. Read full details about the application process and the required commitment
  2. Read about the experiences of the 2019 fellows in their own words
  3. RSVP for a free video call with me on Tuesday, May 19, at 11 PT, to learn more and ask questions

We are deeply grateful to Google Fiber, the Cleveland Foundation, and Meyer Memorial Trust, our Cohort 6 sponsors, for their commitment to digital equity and supporting the Digital Inclusion Fellowship.

Leana Mayzlina
Senior Program Manager
NTEN

Leana Mayzlina works at the intersection of technology and human thriving. She is a passionate advocate for digital inclusion with years of experience building community among people and organizations at the forefront of change. Born in Ukraine and raised in the US, Leana set out to bridge the gaps between continents and culture, communities and connectivity. At NTEN she leads the Digital Inclusion Fellowship, guiding fellows around the country in bridging economic, educational, and social gaps through digitally inclusive initiatives. Prior to joining the NTEN team, she developed international campaigns supporting grassroots women leaders in advocating for social, political, and environmental change. In 2011, Leana moved back to the Pacific Northwest after nearly a decade working in Latin America, where she managed international cooperation programs in areas ranging from food and housing security to social entrepreneurship. Leana speaks Russian, English, Spanish, and um pouquinho de português and holds a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Pitzer College, as well as an MA in International Studies from the University of Chile. Leana lives in Portland with her husband and their rescue dog, Atlas. On weekends, you can find her exploring the woods, baking bread, and sampling new brews.