Next Century Cities to Host Digital Inclusion Leadership Awards Webinar

WASHINGTON — On November 18, 2016 Next Century Cities joined with Google Fiber to formally announce the Digital Inclusion Leadership Awards competition at the National League of Cities' City Summit in Pittsburgh, Penn. Mayor John Woods of member city Davidson, N.C. made the formal announcement on the main stage, sharing the work his city has done to close the digital divide. These awards will celebrate city governments who are leading programs or empowering community-based organizations to tackle barriers to Internet adoption.

Free Webinar: Understanding the Application Process
On December 13, 2016 at 3pm ET Next Century Cities will host a FREE webinar to share digital inclusion best practices and detail the application process. You can attend the webinar online using access code 215-195-357 or over the phone by calling (646) 749-3112. The webinar will be recorded and posted along with more information on our website.

Award Categories
The Digital Inclusion Leadership Awards will feature two categories. Two winners will be chosen in each category based on the program's ability to engage the community by providing digital training, Internet access and hardware at a reasonable cost to a diverse range of participants; an additional entrant in each category will be recognized for a uniquely innovative approach to bridging the digital divide. Award categories include:

1. Leader in Digital Inclusion Best Practices: This award will recognize existing programs with over a year of work in addressing the digital divide.


2. Most Promising New Plan: This award will recognize particularly promising new programs for ensuring digital inclusion in a community.

Last year's winning projects include:

• Philadelphia, PA: KEYSPOT


• Seattle, WA: Technology Matching Fund Program


• Davidson, NC: Eliminate the Digital Divide


• Austin, TX: Unlocking the Connection


• Chattanooga, TN: Tech Goes Home CHA


• Washington, DC: Mobile Tech Lab

All submissions will be due February 10 at EOD and winners will be announced Spring 2017. You can learn more about previous winners and the awards program here.

If you have any questions, please contact Policy and Program Manager Katie Watson at katie@nextcenturycities.org.