Digital exclusion remains one of the greatest barriers preventing communities from accessing education, employment, healthcare, government services, and economic opportunities. While technology continues to transform society, millions of people still lack reliable internet access, digital devices, or the skills needed to fully participate in the digital world. To address this growing challenge, the NTEN Digital Inclusion Fellowship 2026 has opened applications for nonprofit professionals who are passionate about building stronger, more digitally connected communities.
This prestigious year-long fellowship equips nonprofit professionals with the knowledge, practical skills, mentorship, funding support, and national professional network necessary to create sustainable digital literacy programs that directly address the needs of underserved communities.
Rather than simply providing theoretical training, the fellowship empowers participants to design, implement, and sustain innovative digital inclusion initiatives within their own organizations and communities. Fellows also receive a mini-grant to help launch or expand their projects, ensuring that the ideas developed during the fellowship become real-world solutions.
If your organization serves communities affected by digital inequality and you are looking for an opportunity to become a leader in digital inclusion, this fellowship offers the resources and support needed to make a lasting impact.
About the NTEN Digital Inclusion Fellowship
The Digital Inclusion Fellowship is a comprehensive professional development program created by NTEN to strengthen nonprofit organizations working with communities experiencing digital inequity.
The fellowship recognizes that access to technology is no longer optional—it is essential for education, employment, healthcare, financial inclusion, civic participation, and overall quality of life. However, many nonprofit organizations lack the specialized knowledge, funding, and organizational capacity needed to develop effective digital literacy initiatives.
To bridge this gap, NTEN provides fellows with structured learning, coaching, networking opportunities, practical resources, and financial assistance to build sustainable digital literacy programs that respond directly to their communities’ unique needs.
The fellowship supports organizations that already have deep relationships with underserved communities and helps them transform those relationships into meaningful digital inclusion initiatives.
Fellowship Objectives
The Digital Inclusion Fellowship seeks to:
- Increase digital literacy across underserved communities.
- Build sustainable digital inclusion programs.
- Strengthen nonprofit organizational capacity.
- Equip professionals with advanced digital inclusion expertise.
- Promote equitable access to technology.
- Support community-centered digital equity solutions.
- Foster collaboration among digital inclusion leaders.
- Encourage advocacy for policies that improve digital access.
What Fellows Will Learn
Throughout the year-long fellowship, participants receive extensive professional development covering every major aspect of digital inclusion program development.
Training areas include:
1. Digital Inclusion Best Practices
Participants gain an in-depth understanding of:
- Digital equity principles
- Digital inclusion strategies
- Community-centered technology initiatives
- Barriers to internet adoption
- Sustainable digital literacy programming
2. Digital Literacy Education
Fellows learn how to:
- Design digital literacy curricula
- Teach essential computer skills
- Improve internet navigation skills
- Develop digital confidence among learners
- Support learners with varying levels of digital experience
3. Adult Education
The fellowship includes instruction on:
- Adult learning methodologies
- Inclusive teaching practices
- Learner engagement
- Accessible educational approaches
- Customized learning pathways
4. Program Management
Participants build expertise in:
- Project planning
- Program implementation
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Budget management
- Program sustainability
5. Community Outreach and Engagement
Fellows develop practical skills to:
- Engage underserved populations
- Build trust within communities
- Conduct outreach campaigns
- Recruit program participants
- Maintain community partnerships
6. Data Collection and Evaluation
Training includes:
- Measuring program impact
- Collecting meaningful data
- Using evaluation tools
- Reporting outcomes
- Improving future programming
7. Partnership Development
Participants learn strategies for:
- Building strategic partnerships
- Collaborating with local organizations
- Strengthening community networks
- Working across sectors
- Expanding program reach
8. Digital Tools
Fellows receive guidance on using digital technologies that improve:
- Program delivery
- Communication
- Virtual learning
- Participant engagement
- Administrative efficiency
9. Advocacy and Policy
An important component of the fellowship focuses on:
- Digital equity advocacy
- Public policy awareness
- Community leadership
- Technology access initiatives
- Long-term systemic change
Fellowship Benefits
Successful fellows receive numerous professional and organizational benefits throughout the fellowship.
Professional Training
Participants receive comprehensive training covering:
- Digital inclusion
- Digital literacy
- Adult education
- Curriculum development
- Community engagement
- Program leadership
Mentorship
Every fellow receives:
- Personalized guidance
- Expert advice
- Professional coaching
- Ongoing mentorship throughout the fellowship
National Network
Participants become part of an expanding community that includes:
- Digital inclusion professionals
- Nonprofit leaders
- Subject matter experts
- Organizational partners
- Previous fellowship alumni
These relationships create opportunities for long-term collaboration beyond the fellowship year.
Practical Resources
Fellows gain access to valuable tools such as:
- Evaluation frameworks
- Program planning templates
- Digital literacy toolkits
- Sustainability resources
- Best-practice guides
National Visibility
The fellowship provides recognition through opportunities including:
- Speaking engagements
- Professional webinars
- Publications
- Leadership showcases
- National exposure as a digital inclusion leader
Mini-Grant Funding
Each fellowship project receives financial support through a mini-grant that can be used to:
- Launch a new digital literacy initiative
- Expand an existing program
- Purchase program resources
- Support implementation activities
The amount of funding varies depending on location.
Program Structure
Each fellow designs and implements a customized digital inclusion program specifically tailored to the needs of their organization and community.
Rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach, the fellowship encourages locally driven solutions that reflect community priorities and organizational missions.
Throughout the year, fellows receive continuous support while planning, implementing, evaluating, and refining their projects.
Fellowship Locations
The fellowship is currently offered only in selected locations across the United States and Canada, depending on available partnerships and partner service areas.
Organizations interested in expanding access may also partner with NTEN to bring the fellowship to their cities or selected locations.
Organizations may sponsor:
- One of their own employees
- An employee from a partner organization
Who Should Apply?
The fellowship is ideal for nonprofit professionals who:
- Work directly with underserved communities.
- Are passionate about digital equity.
- Want to create sustainable digital literacy programs.
- Seek professional development opportunities.
- Wish to strengthen their organization’s community impact.
- Are interested in technology access and digital inclusion.
Applicants should also have organizational support, as supervisors are required to confirm the fellow’s participation and time commitment.
Application Process
Applications for the 2026 Digital Inclusion Fellowship are currently open.
To complete an application, two separate forms must be submitted:
- Fellow Application Form.
- Supervisor Support Form confirming organizational support and time commitment.
Both forms are mandatory. Applications that do not include both submissions will not be considered.
Applicants with questions during the application process may contact NTEN through the fellowship’s designated contact person for assistance.
Why This Fellowship Matters
Digital access has become essential for participating in modern society. Without internet connectivity and digital skills, communities face increased barriers to employment, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement.
The NTEN Digital Inclusion Fellowship addresses these challenges by investing in nonprofit professionals who are already trusted within their communities. Through advanced training, mentorship, funding, and practical implementation support, fellows become catalysts for long-term digital equity.
The fellowship not only benefits individual professionals but also strengthens nonprofit organizations, expands community capacity, and contributes to more equitable access to technology across underserved populations.
Visit HERE to learn more about the NTEN Digital Inclusion Fellowship 2026
Conclusion
The NTEN Digital Inclusion Fellowship 2026 offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit professionals to become leaders in digital equity while creating sustainable solutions for communities affected by the digital divide. Combining year-long professional development, expert mentorship, national networking opportunities, practical implementation resources, and project funding, the fellowship equips participants with everything they need to design impactful digital literacy programs.
Organizations committed to reducing digital inequality should strongly consider supporting eligible staff members to apply. By participating in this fellowship, professionals can strengthen their leadership skills, expand their networks, secure funding for community initiatives, and make lasting contributions toward building more digitally inclusive communities.
Deadline: Applications are currently open. No specific application deadline has been announced in the provided information. Interested applicants are encouraged to complete application of the fellowship by August 31, 2026, for early review and will remain open until filled..
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