Blandin Broadband Communities Strut Their Stuff

September 11, 2014 by Blandin Foundation Posted in Broadband, Grants, Rural Capacity Building

Colorful, dancing feathered figures and the hum of ancestral melodies filled the room as Fond du Lac (FDL) students arranged themselves in such a way that they created a cornucopia of technology. Brandishing iPads, they celebrated their Ojibwe culture, together with community members, through the creation of mobile applications.

Held at the end of July, the FDL App Camp was one project created and executed to highlight the value of broadband in their community. The Camp’s close was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the hard work the community has put in to ensure the FDL reservation has the broadband technology in place to thrive now and into the future.

As a Blandin Broadband Community, during the past year FDL has expanded broadband coverage to 80 homes through hot spots, introduced iPads in the 8th grade classroom and held the App Camp.

Leaders all around the state are crafting creative, dynamic approaches to connecting community members to high-speed Internet. FDL is one of nine Blandin Broadband Communities doing this work. The others (Itasca County, Kanabec County, Lake County, Lake of the Woods, Lac qui Parle Valley, Mille Lacs County, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, and Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services) are carrying out equally-inspiring and important projects that meet the needs of their community.

Blandin Foundation staff are touring these locations, celebrating the hard work of local leaders who are paving the way to a better future for their community.

To get a glimpse into what these celebrations look like on the “Strut Your Stuff Tour,” follow the links below.

• Fond du Lac: App Camp, Hotspots, Training
• Kanabec County: Interactive video, Healthcare training, Business website development
• Southwest Minnesota Broadband Services: Social media breakfasts, PCs for People, Hotspots
• Mille Lacs County: Wi-Fi on buses, Training and Moving forward

Blandin Foundation is currently seeking up to ten new communities for the 2015-16 cohort of Blandin Broadband Communities. Applications will be accepted through October 17, 2014. Click here for more information.