Libraries Lead with Digital Skills is an initiative of the American Library Association and the Public Library Association, sponsored by Grow with Google, that provides libraries with funding, training, and tools to assist job seekers in preparing for and finding work, and empower small businesses to grow online.

Call for applications

The Libraries Lead with Digital Skills program is seeking applications from libraries who select one of the Grow with Google resources to integrate into a new or existing workshop, class, event, etc. Accepted libraries will receive:

• Funding - $1,000 with minimal application and reporting requirements, with the opportunity to receive an additional $3,000 bonus if your program is selected for a Spotlight Award. 
• Marketing support - ALA and Google will help get the word out about your program with social media guidance, marketing assets, and more. 
• Technical guidance - Have questions about curriculum resources or programs? Ask Google! Need some best practices in library programming? PLA is here to help!
• A community of practice - Troubleshoot challenges and share ideas with other libraries that receive funding alongside ALA, PLA, and Google. 
• Advocacy tools - Use our impact evaluation tools and advocacy resources to create and sustain the digital skills plan for your community. 

Eligibility requirements:

• Host a workshop, event, or program at your library within 60 days of receiving your pre-approval notification.
• The program must be free of all costs for participants.
• Engage local media and post about your event on social media (before, during, and/or after) using the tags: #LibrariesLead, #GrowWithGoogle, @ALAlibrary.
• Submit your completed program recap one week after holding your event.
• Receive prior approval from your library administration to implement your program.

For more information on this funding opportunity, click here. Applications open June 17 and the deadline is July 29. 

The Nevada Career Explorer is the perfect tool to pair with both the Grow with Google events and the Libraries Lead with Digital Skills program. The Nevada Career Explorer is a free website made available by the Nevada State Library and funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

The Career Explorer is a place to find not just a job, but a career you'll love. Combining job openings from over 3 million employers, detailed information on 3,500 college majors, 1,400 colleges and universities, and 8,000 industry certifications, the Nevada Career Explorer is a one-stop spot for career information. Additionally, the Career Explorer is built to align with Nevada's in-demand occupations as outlined in a report jointly authored by the Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation for a New Nevada (OWINN), the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), and the Nevada Department of Employment, Training & Rehabilitation (DETR) Research and Analysis Bureau. 

The Career Explorer is designed to help you better understand yourself, what you want out of work, and what kinds of jobs you’ll love. The best part is: all you need to create an account is a library card. 

For more information on the Nevada Career Explorer, click here. 

Libraries Lead with Digital Skills funding opportunities

To apply for the Libraries Lead with Digital Skills program, libraries must first design a program that either assists job seekers to find or prepare for work or empowers small businesses to grow online. The great thing is the 12 months of wrap-around programming we've curated around the Nevada Career Explorer could be utilized for this opportunity!

There are more details and specific examples at the Libraries Lead with Digital Skills website.