Partnership for a ConnectedMN
BUILDING A MORE EQUITABLE, RESILIENT STATE WHERE EACH AND EVERY STUDENT CAN LEARN, THRIVE, AND PROSPER.
Partnership for a ConnectedMN is a public-private partnership to bring tech devices and internet access to students across the state, especially communities most in need, including students who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color, students from low-income families, and students residing in rural Minnesota.
Grants Awarded
To address digital inequities faced by students in Minnesota, Partnership for a ConnectedMN announced on September 23 that it has awarded $2.1 million in grants to 23 nonprofits serving the connectivity needs of students and their families. ConnectedMN grants will serve an estimated 68,000 students and families in urban and rural communities, who will gain access to computing devices, critical support services and the internet.
Among the 23 organizations stepping up to ensure distance learning success through ConnectedMN grant funds are 16 nonprofits, one tribal entity, and six rural-based Minnesota Education Technology Network members serving numerous school districts across multiple counties. With these resources, grant recipients are providing access to devices, internet connectivity, supportive mentors, coaching, and tech support.
Grants have been awarded to:
- Aeon
- Austin Aspires
- Boys & Girls Club of the Leech Lake Area
- Centro Tyrone Guzman
- Change Inc.
- East Central MN Education Cable Cooperative
- FamilyMeans
- Haven Housing
- Itasca Area Schools Collaborative
- Little Crow Tele-media Network
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation - Duluth
- Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy
- MN Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs
- Neighborhood House
- New Vision Foundation
- Northfield Healthy Community Initiative
- NW-LINKS
- Port Group Homes
- Project FINE
- Project for Pride in Living
- ResourceWest
- South Central Regional Area Telecommunications System / South Central Service Cooperative
- Southwest West Central Service Cooperative
Review Committee
Grant recipients were chosen by a review committee comprised of community members with a broad range of geographic, community and education and education technology expertise.
Organizations represented in the review committee process include: 100 Rural Women, Blandin Foundation, Growth & Justice, Minnesota Business Partnership, Minnesota Indigenous Business Alliance, New Vision Foundation, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, Saint Paul Public Schools, and Southwest Initiative Foundation.