Board approves application to host Lead For America/ACC service member for digital-connectivity work

Koochiching County authorized submission of a nonbinding application to be a host site for a Lead For America (LFA) / ACC service member for program year 2025. Information Services staff said the application simply enters the county into the selection process; if selected, the county would later sign a host-site agreement and the site fee is typically payable when the member begins service.

Information Services Director Justin Oberg and Jackie Nagel summarized recent local work by past service members, including digital-literacy classes and distribution of about 100 laptops funded in part by an AARP grant. They reported strong community participation, cross-generational training efforts and a current waiting list for classes.

Staff said the host-site fee is expected to be roughly $19,000 for the program year; KTI (a local organization) has pledged $10,000 toward the fee and staff are pursuing grant funding and other sources to cover the remainder. Commissioners approved submitting the application, noting that signing the application is not a final commitment to fund the host-site fee.

Ending: If selected as a host site, county staff and partners will return for approval of the site agreement and any funding commitments; staff plan continued outreach, digital-skills classes and further grant writing to sustain the work.