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Apply for the 2021 Digital Inclusion Fellowship

By: Leana Mayzlina
Posted on

While many activities and resources have moved online over the past decade, the pandemic forced institutions to offer all their services digitally. The attempt elevated the public’s awareness of digital inequity. Whether it was trying to attend classes, apply for government benefits, or practice religion, many people were excluded from fully participating in their communities.

Despite needing to access online services, almost a quarter of U.S. adults do not use home broadband. And even those who are comfortable navigating online find their internet connections taxed as multiple family members try to make simultaneous video calls.

NTEN has long advocated that every organization needs to recognize the role of digital equity in meeting its mission. Our Digital Inclusion Fellowship is an excellent opportunity to expand your organization’s programming and strengthen community ties. We are thrilled to open applications today for fellows in the following cities:

  • Atlanta, GA: 1 position (sponsored by Google Fiber)
  • Austin, TX: 1 position (sponsored by Google Fiber)
  • Cleveland, OH: 2 positions (sponsored by The Cleveland Foundation)
  • Huntsville, AL: 1 position (sponsored by Google Fiber)
  • Kansas City, MO: 1 position (sponsored by Google Fiber)
  • Nashville, TN: 1 position (sponsored by Google Fiber)
  • Provo, UT: 1 position (sponsored by Google Fiber)
  • Salt Lake City, UT: 2 positions (sponsored by Google Fiber)
  • San Antonio, TX: 1 position (sponsored by Google Fiber)

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 yearlong, 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 receive grants to help launch their programs.

Previous fellows have implemented impressive and groundbreaking projects. Ellie Avis, a fellow in Josephine County, OR, launched a hotspot lending program that allows library patrons to bring their connectivity home. She also launched Tech Time, an opportunity for community members to ask tech questions, and developed a volunteer program that supports library patrons in navigating their devices. 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 and fact sheets.

Learn more

  1. Read full details about the application process and the required commitment.
  2. Read about former fellow projects in their own words.
  3. Watch the recording of a May 20 Q&A call discussing the benefits of the fellowship and how to apply.

We are deeply grateful to our 2021 sponsors, Google Fiber and the Cleveland Foundation, for committing 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.