A felicitous Friday to all,



Are you aware of the Public Library Association's new Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive? If not, you're about to be!



The PLA is soliciting applications from public libraries interested in expanding digital literacy programming in their communities, supported with content from DigitalLearn.org.



There are two tiers of application:




Programming Requirements for Tier 1 Incentive: $4,000


Conduct a minimum of three workshops reaching a total of 18 learners using the training materials: At least two workshops to be completed by December 15, 2022, reaching at least 12 learners and at least one workshop to be completed by March 31, 2023, reaching at least 6 learners



Programming Requirements for Tier 2 Incentive: $7,000


Conduct a minimum of five workshops reaching a minimum of 50 learners: At least three workshops must be completed by December 15, 2022, reaching at least 30 learners; at least two additional workshops must be completed by March 31, 2023, reaching at least 20 learners.



Here are some examples of how incentive funds may be used:


Hire trainers to conduct the workshops.
Purchase and distribute materials to promote PLA and AT&T digital literacy resources and library’s digital skills support. Examples include bookmarks, flash drives, flyers, headphones, etc.
Advertise PLA and AT&T’s digital literacy resources and library’s digital skills support. Examples include social media ads, newspaper advertisements, and locally produced promotional videos.
Purchase non-capital equipment to be used for training (e.g., computer and/or projector to be used for trainings).
Print handouts, certificates and other learner materials for in-person trainings.
Translate online course or training materials into languages other than currently available English and Spanish resources.
Rent a space for training (if needed and not held in a library).
Purchase project supplies (e.g., paper, post-its, printing, etc.).
Provide snacks for attendees at in-person trainings. (Snacks!)
Purchase PPE such as masks, hand and equipment sanitizer for in-person trainings.


There are some additional requirements (attend a few webinars, promotional stuff, adopt DigitalLearn.org content in the training, etc.) and some caveats (since AT&T is a sponsor, ***you can't buy anything that is eligible under E-rate***) of course, but for libraries interested in starting or enhancing their digital literacy programming, it's definitely worth a look.



Speaking of, why don't you take one? https://www.ala.org/pla/initiatives/digitalliteracy/incentive/<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ala.org%2Fpla%2Finitiatives%2Fdigitalliteracy%2Fincentive%2F&data=05%7C01%7CJared.Leadbetter%40maine.gov%7C02e563c1a99d4299a77608da3a7ff8e8%7C413fa8ab207d4b629bcdea1a8f2f864e%7C0%7C0%7C637886618553820093%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=E0Yt6QR0p%2FbukO2alX5OjokPp7y%2BH3rVi8t6lmjvTxk%3D&reserved=0>



If you have questions about E-rate eligible purchases (i.e., stuff that you can't get through this incentive program), I'm happy to offer guidance as well.



Have a great day and weekend!


-Jared Leadbetter

 Technology Specialist / Zoominator

 Maine State Library