To address digital inequities faced by Minnesota students, Partnership for a ConnectedMN has now completed three grant rounds since its inception. The first announced on September 23, awarded $2.15 million in grants to 23 organizations, the second announced on December 15th, awarded $2.35 million in grants to 29 organizations serving the connectivity, device, and digital support needs of students and their families. The third round was initiated in July of 2021 through an innovative Community-Led process organized and conducted by BIPOC community organizations and their leaders that culminated in a Black-led and Indigenous-led team awarding $1.2 million in grants among organizations in those two communities in early 2022.

ConnectedMN grants have served an estimated 85,000 students and families in urban and rural communities, who have gained access to computing devices, critical digital navigation support services and the internet.

Among the organizations stepping up to ensure distance learning success through ConnectedMN grant funds are 36 nonprofits, six tribal entities, and six rural-based Minnesota Education Technology Network members serving 249 school districts across multiple counties. With these resources, grant recipients are providing access to devices, internet connectivity, supportive mentors, coaching, and tech support.