Returning ACC Host Site Application 25-26

The Returning ACC Host Site application is designed for organizations that wish to host members of the American Connection Corps (ACC) during the 2025-26 program year. By completing the application, your organization expresses interest in participating in this national effort to enhance digital connectivity and provide economic and social opportunities in communities that face digital disconnection.

In order to serve as a host site for the ACC, organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, local or state government entities, or faith-based organizations focused on non-religious activities. It’s essential that these organizations aim to address community needs in the areas of community and economic development, health and social capital, or agriculture and natural resources.

The application deadline for Returning ACC Host Sites for the 2025-26 program year is February 26th, 2025. It’s important to apply as early as possible since expressing interest does not require a commitment at this stage.

Host sites are required to make a financial contribution to support their ACC member. The standard cost for hosting a member is $35,000 per year. However, financial scholarships based on community size, organization budget, and local needs are available to help reduce this cost for qualifying host organizations.

ACC members work full-time in digitally disconnected communities, focusing on expanding economic opportunities and enhancing digital access through the engagement of local organizations. They foster connections, bridge divides, and directly address local challenges to create sustainable impacts in their communities.

ACC members have key responsibilities that include expanding economic opportunities by working with local organizations, fostering social connectivity between diverse groups, tailoring service activities to meet community needs, and ensuring the initiatives they undertake continue to benefit the community long after their service year ends.

Yes, organizations from all areas can apply as host sites for the ACC. The program seeks to address digital disconnection wherever it may exist, so any organization willing to contribute to social and economic equity is welcome to express interest.

When answering this question, highlight your organization’s commitment to community service and social equity. Share specific examples of past initiatives that align with ACC’s mission and how hosting ACC members would amplify your organization’s impact.

Discuss your organization’s current programs and illustrate how ACC members’ skills and experiences will complement these efforts. Emphasize collaboration and the mutual benefits of working together to meet community objectives.

Identify a few critical issues your community is grappling with, such as digital accessibility, economic disparities, or social isolation. Discuss how ACC members can play a key role in addressing these challenges and fostering long-term community development.

Outline the resources and support mechanisms your organization would implement for ACC members, including training, mentorship, and collaboration with existing staff. Stress your commitment to ensuring their success and growth.

Clarify the outcomes or impacts you are hoping to achieve through the ACC members’ service. Be specific about the projects, community engagement, or long-term benefits you envision from their work.

Talk about the evaluation methods you plan to use to assess the impact of ACC members, such as feedback from community stakeholders, progress metrics on specific initiatives, or outcomes related to digital access improvements.

Present a comprehensive story of a past initiative, focusing on the problem it addressed, the solutions your organization implemented, and the positive outcomes achieved. This showcases your organization's effectiveness and commitment.

Discuss your strategies for facilitating engagement and collaboration among stakeholders, including regular meetings, shared objectives, and inclusive planning processes that encourage diverse input.

Reflect on your organization’s mission, vision, and core values that drive your work in the community. This will communicate your principles and how they align with those of the ACC program.

Outline your strategies for building capacity within the community or organization so that initiatives begun by ACC members can continue. Focus on creating lasting partnerships and securing resources to maintain momentum.