Digital Skills Programs Minigrant

Virtual Learning and Enhancement Mini-grant Now OPEN:  

Now more than ever, it is critical for library staff around the country to have digital resources and training to help their students and patrons with online learning and connection. Increasingly, most libraries- including school, academic, and public- have made their programs virtual. To support this effort, ALA is partnering once again with Google to offer up to 91 $1000 mini-grants to provide digital skills programs for library patrons and students using Google’s Applied Digital Skills curriculum. As part of the grant, library staff will receive professional development training through Five-Star technologies to enhance their virtual programming capabilities. 

About Applied Digital Skills

Applied Digital Skills is a free, online digital skills curriculum that provides video-based lessons to prepare learners of all ages for the future of work. Digital literacy, problem-solving, and creativity are often cited as essential skills for jobs of the future. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that we enhance our digital skillset to keep up with the world as we rapidly transition to full-time virtual education.  

Successful applicants will plan their own activities using tools and inspiration provided by Applied Digital Skills resources and Five-Star technologies training and submit a recap of their programming via a form link that will be emailed to all selected libraries.  Important Dates: 
 

How do you apply for the Virtual Learning and Enhancement Grant? 

The Virtual Learning and Enhancement Grant Applications are now closed and ALA has selected 91 awardees. Applications were very competitive and we are so excited to see these programs take place!

Earlier in the year, ALA awarded 127 libraries with a $700 award to honor and celebrate Digital Learning Day and use Google's Applied Digital Skills curriculum to enhance their patrons' and staff's digital skills. ALA was very excited to see the response from libraries and their commitment to education their audiences on digital skills despite the change and limitations in capacity due to the pandemic. 

Thank you to everyone who applied! We encourage you to check your emails for more information from ALA on how to report back on your grant award and next steps. If you have any questions, please email minigrants@alawash.org
 

FAQ 
 

Q.  Who is eligible to apply for a Virtual Learning and Enhancement grant? 

A. School, academic, tribal, and public libraries that HAVE NOT received a Digital Learning Day or Hour of Code migrant in the past year are eligible. 

Q. Who do I contact if I have a question about the application? 

A. For any questions about this grant, you can email us at minigrants@alawash.org. We will respond in one business day.  

Q. My library is not allowing in-person programs due to COVID-19. Am I required to hold an in person program? 

A. No. We deeply value the safety of library staff and patrons and the purpose of this grant is to encourage virtual learning. Training provided by ALA and their partner Five-Star Technologies will be virtual. We encourage libraries to hold programs virtually as well.  

Q. What do I do if I need more time to apply? 

A. Please email minigrants@alawash.org and we can help! 

Q. What kind of program am I expected to do? 

A. There is no right or one kind of program. The only requirement is that the activity you do is inspired by the Applied Digital Skills curriculum, which has a bunch of cool ideas you can work with.  

Q. Do I need to submit a recap of the program?

A. Yes. We will email the link to a recap form to all those who are selected for the mini-grant. ALA will only send funds to libraries who complete both the application and the recap form in time.

Q. If accepted, when will I receive my grant money?

A. It takes 6-7 weeks for us to process a check. Once we receive a recap from your library, our accounting department will process a payment for you. We hope to have the funds disbursed by the end of December 2020.

 

Sponsored by Google.