2023 LUC Preconference Sessions on October 17th

This year there will be two preconference sessions on Wednesday, October 17th, the day before the main sessions of the LOUIS Users Conference. There is no additional charge to register for these Preconference sessions. To RSVP for a preconference, please indicate your attendance during regular LUC registration. 

Both preconference sessions include a lunch that will start at 12:00 that day.

Preconference Session A: Prepare Your Library for the Digital Equity Act Grant Programs: A Grant Writing Workshop

October 17th, 10am to 3pm

Guest Speaker:

Alyssa Bogosian, Senior Development Manager at Tech Goes Home. Alyssa Bogosian (she/her) is currently Senior Development Manager at Tech Goes Home, a Massachusetts-based digital equity nonprofit. In her role at TGH, Alyssa is responsible for managing a growing portfolio of public and private grant funders, including researching and identifying grant prospects, writing grant proposals, and reporting on grant progress and outcomes. Since joining TGH in 2020, she has contributed to the growth of the organization's annual budget from 2M in 2020 to over 6.5M in 2023. Alyssa holds a B.A. in International Affairs from the George Washington University in D.C.

About Tech Goes Home: Tech Goes Home's mission is to empower communities to access and use digital tools to overcome barriers and advance lives. In partnership with 100+ community organizations, TGH opens up access to computers, internet, and training so that students can do homework, adults can find jobs and manage finances, seniors can connect with loved ones, and all can lead healthy lives.

Description

In 2024, Louisiana will receive $25 million in federal funds from the State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program to implement the state’s Digital Equity Plan. This Plan lays out the state’s strategies to make the internet affordable and accessible and how to equip residents with the skills and devices needed to fully participate in today’s digital world. Additionally, the federal Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program will make $1.25 billion available to qualifying entities, including libraries, to advance digital equity and engage in digital inclusion activities. 

Preconference attendees will learn more about these grant programs and how higher education and academic libraries fit into the state’s Digital Equity Plan. Rebecca Kelley, Digital Inclusion and eLearning Program Manager with LOUIS, will review the types of digital inclusion initiatives that will likely qualify for digital equity grants, as well as review the next steps to position your library and institution for these upcoming federal and state grants. 

Alyssa Bogosian will then lead a workshop that focuses on strategies for writing grant proposals to support digital inclusion work. Topics will include understanding funders’ requests and requirements, framing your work through a digital equity lens, and discussing the evaluation and impact of your work.