Calling All Digital Inclusion Trailblazers: Applications Now Open

by | Sep 11, 2024 | Digital Inclusion News, Trailblazers

Digital Inclusion Trailblazers icon

Today through the end of October, you can apply to be recognized as a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer! Entering its eighth year, Digital Inclusion Trailblazers is more than just an award; it serves as an honor roll and resource inventory for excellent digital equity work led by local governments from the township to the regional levels.

Trailblazers provide models to aspire to, demonstrating how local governments can support their digital inclusion ecosystems.

Using a points-based scoring system, NDIA recognizes local governments that rise to meet the necessary criteria to be considered Digital Inclusion Trailblazers. In 2023, NDIA added a second tier of recognition to distinguish those local governments going above and beyond to lead the way in digital inclusion innovation.

This year, NDIA will provide previous Trailblazers an opportunity to build on their 2023 point total and submit documentation in addition to their existing application on file.

 

What is a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer?

The Trailblazers application is based on seven categories of digital inclusion work. Each category contains multiple indicators, which are specific resources and initiatives that demonstrate effort in a given category. Applicants submit resources and documentation to achieve a maximum of 23 points across Trailblazer categories.

Applicants who accumulate at least five points are awarded Trailblazer status, and applicants who achieve 18 points or higher are awarded the title of Visionary Trailblazer. 

Every year, the program culminates in an awards ceremony and reception at our annual Net Inclusion Conference. 

NDIA makes all application materials from Trailblazer awardees available in an interactive resource inventory.

The Value of Trailblazers

This collection of resources includes job descriptions, program details, budgets, and community digital equity plans. Although most of this information is already publicly available, it has been re-shared, organized, and centralized for the greater benefit of the NDIA community.

Trailblazers also operates as an honor roll. Last year, NDIA named 47 local governments as Digital Inclusion Trailblazers, including 23 Visionary Trailblazers, and three communities that achieved a perfect score. Spanning 23 states, these Trailblazers demonstrated the critical role that municipal, city, county, and regional governments have in digital inclusion. 

Next Steps

As our digital equity community continues to grow exponentially, Digital Inclusion Trailblazers is an opportunity to showcase the incredible work happening at the local and regional levels of government. It’s also an opportunity to be recognized by your peers on a national level. Digital Inclusion Trailblazers sets a national standard for excellent digital inclusion work. Ensure that your local government’s achievements are recognized and apply today. NDIA will accept applications through October.

NDIA, in partnership with AMERIND Critical Infrastructure, has also launched the Seven Star Communities program to recognize Tribes that are leading outstanding digital inclusion efforts. Applications are now open.

Contact: [email protected]