[Libs-Or] Affordable Connectivity Program Basics Workshops, funding available

[WEIBLE Arlene * SLO]

The Affordable Connectivity Program, also known as the ACP, from the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) helps families and households with affordable internet service.
In collaboration with AT&T, PLA developed the ACP Basics digital course and workshop materials to help provide families and households identify the information they need to apply for the program, how to apply for the program, and how to use the benefit.

The PLA ACP Basics Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T is designed to support library adoption of the PLA DigitalLearn ACP Basics training materials developed in collaboration with AT&T. These materials are freely available at: https://training.digitallearn.org/courses/the-affordable-connectivity-program-basics.

Libraries can apply for an incentive of $1,500. Applications will be accepted until June 2, 2023, 11:59 PM Central.

The ACP Basics workshop training package contains teaching resources (instructor guide, presentation slides, handouts, checklists, certificate of completion) to help an individual or family through the entire ACP process, from establishing eligibility to getting ready to apply to using the benefit when approved. Topics include:

  *   ACP Overview (program info and eligibility)
  *   Getting Ready to Apply (rules, necessary documentation)
  *   How to Apply (application walk through) and
  *   Using the Benefit (finding a provider, connecting to library resources, and learning more)
  *
Examples of how incentive funds may be used:

  *   Hire trainers to conduct workshops.
  *   Print handouts, certificates, and other learner materials for in-person trainings.
  *   Purchase project supplies (e.g., paper, post-its, printing, etc.).
  *   Purchase non-capital equipment to be used for training (e.g., computer and/or projector, smart board, tablets to be used for trainings).
  *   Advertise workshops and PLA and AT&T's digital literacy resources. Examples include outdoor banner, Facebook ads, Instagram ads, Google ads, radio ads, newspaper ads, billboards, and locally produced promotional videos.
  *   Purchase and distribute materials to promote DigitalLearn and your library's digital skills support. Examples include bookmarks, paper notebooks, flash drives, headphones, tee shirts, socks, calendars, water bottles, tote bags etc.
  *   Items to be used as a giveaway or free drawing. Examples include tablet, gift card or any of the items listed in the bullet above.
  *   Translate training materials into languages other English or Spanish.
  *   Rent a space for training (if needed and not held in a library).
  *   Provide snacks for attendees at in-person trainings.
  *   Provide transportation for attendees.
  *   Provide childcare for attendees.
  *   Hire translators or interpreters.
  *   Purchase PPE such as masks, hand and equipment sanitizer for in-person training.
  *   NOTE: funds cannot be used for e-rate eligible expenses<https://www.usac.org/e-rate/applicant-process/before-you-begin/eligible-services-list/>, such as broadband connections and maintenance. Please contact your state e-rate coordinator<https://www.ala.org/advocacy/e-rate-state-coordinators> if you have detailed questions.

To apply and find more details, go to the PLA website at: https://www.ala.org/pla/initiatives/digitalliteracy/incentive/acp


-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://omls.oregon.gov/pipermail/libs-or/attachments/20230518/2479b51f/attachment.html>