Who We Are

The American Connection Corps (ACC) is the nation's largest fellowship program focused on bridging the digital divide. This initiative addresses broadband development and digital inclusion while equipping, empowering, and connecting a national cohort of civic leaders.

The American Connection Corps is an initiative within Lead for America where Fellows across the country are creating a national impact in broadband development and access by addressing the local connectivity needs in their communities. 

What to Expect

Application Process

Thank you for your interest in the American Connection Corps fellowship program! As an intergenerational fellowship, we welcome recent college graduates, retirees, high schoolers on a gap year, or  stay-at-home parents. To begin the application process, please click here:  American Connection Corps Application

Training & Support

 ACC Fellows attend extensive trainings tailored specifically for their interests, communities, and personal career paths. The proposed training schedule includes (this schedule is subject to change):

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• August 1-5: ACC Orientation in Washington D.C..  The training curriculum is being designed in collaboration with the Land O'Lakes government relations team, and will include site visits to organizations deploying innovative broadband access, infrastructure, and inclusion/adoption programs locally and nationally. The training will also include panels and meetings with key federal agencies and national leaders focused on rural and urban economic development, digital inclusion, and broadband infrastructure. We'll have the chance, too, to meet and hear from several of our corporate partners like Land O'Lakes, Microsoft, American Farm Bureau, etc. 

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• Fall Retreat: LFA will plan a 3-day retreat, hosted tentatively at the Land O’Lakes headquarters, in Minneapolis, MN for all ACC Fellows to talk through and address any barriers to their work plans. Fellows will participate in an innovative digital workforce site visit, as well as workshops on best practices for digital adoption with statewide and national training partners. 

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• Mid-March: National Digital Inclusion Conference - San Antonio, TX. LFA will cover the registration, travel, and accommodation for ACC members to attend the NDIA’s Net Inclusion Summit - an opportunity for Fellows to expand their professional network in the digital equity space, meet with national leaders in the field, and also present their work to a wider national audience. LFA will host an ACC-only day-long retreat prior to the summit, including an evening reception with the NDIA Digital Navigators. ​

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• End of July, 2023: Lead For America Graduation in Washington D.C. All graduating ACC and National Hometown Fellows will return to Washington D.C. for their graduation, including meeting and presenting their service impact stories before key members of congress and federal agencies.

Cohort at a Glance

Whether it be leading a coalition to secure fiber infrastructure, tackling affordability, or delivering digital skills training for youth, older Americans, and working adults, our ACC Fellows are making a lasting impact and getting Americans connected in both rural and urban communities.

Areas of Focus

Digital Access: Fellows help make internet and tech devices more affordable and help other fully participate in digital society.

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Digital Adoption: Fellows help youth, elders, and working adults have the digital knowledge to access key services (like telehealth), participate in a 21st century workforce, and advance STEM education and digital economic development.

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Broadband Infrastructure and Development: Fellows help get broadband infrastructure to their communities, and work with private and public officials to complete broadband projects.

Benefits

• $30,000 annual living allowance

• 1-year AmeriCorps service position

• $6,495 AmeriCorps Segal Education Award

• Healthcare reimbursement stipend of up to $386/month

• National news and media amplification with ACC partners, such as Land O’Lakes, Heartland Forward + Tractor Supply

• Access to 1:1 technical mentors with national leaders, such as the Strategic Alliance Director at Microsoft and the VP of Government Relations at Land O’Lakes

Eligibility

The ACC is enthusiastically an intergenerational corps. Whether you're a recent college graduate, retiree, high schooler on a gap year, or a stay-at-home parent, ACC is for you if you:

• Recognize the need for digital access in your community and are excited to learn how to make it happen.

• Can dedicate 30-40 hours/week of service from August 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023, including attending four in-person (expenses paid) national trainings.

• Are age 18 or older, and a US citizen.

ACC Highlights

In the Media

Thank you to our partners!