The second application window for the Mozilla Gigabit Community Fund is now open!  

Applications for the summer round of the Gigabit Community Fund will be accepted through Friday, June 13, 2014 at 11:59:59 PM PT.  The pilot period for second round is July 11 through September 26, 2014 – perfect for fall classes and programs!

The focus for the new round remains on innovation in education and workforce development that leverages next generation gigabit technology in Kansas City and Chattanooga.  The challenge?  To think about how technology can transform how we learn, how we engage students, and how we connect youth to 21st century careers and skills.  We are investing in ideas that use the Gig to shape learning outcomes, and we’re investing in KC and Chattanooga.

All Gigabit Community Fund projects must: (1) be piloted in the Chattanooga, TN and/or Kansas City, MO metropolitan region, (2) focus on workforce development or education, and (3) leverage the Gig network in these cities.   We’re looking for exemplar models of gig applications in live classrooms and educational spaces.  For project inspiration, just take a look at the Gigabit Projects from Round 1 in KC and Chattanooga.

Though the basic criteria haven’t changed, we encourage you to carefully review the Fund Rules, Terms, and Conditions and to make note of the following additions for the summer round:

• Clearly explain your planned pilot and its learning outcomes. Where is the pilot happening? Who’s involved? What are participants learning? Getting the curriculum or application you develop through the Fund in front of real learners is key to the success of your project, and we want to make sure the application reflects the importance of this component.

• Assess the risk and challenges your project faces. We want to know what hurdles, issues, challenges, or speed bumps may affect your project so that we can help you navigate and overcome them.

• Use the NEW template for your application. Our proposal template has been updated to include new prompts, hints, and tips; it’s designed to make submitting an application even easier.  Just select “File” and “Make a copy” in the Google Doc to start editing your own proposal.

Once you’ve reviewed all of the fine print in the Rules, Terms, and Conditions and have explored the changes we’ve made for the new round, visit our iStart page to submit your application.  This easy application management tool is new for the summer round – just answer a few simple questions about your project, upload a PDF version of your proposal, and you’re done!  You may edit your application via iStart at any point prior to the deadline.

What’s next?  Get involved in your local gigabit community – check out our Meetups and Community Calls.  We’re here to help you craft a strong submission, so email us at gigabit@mozilla.org, follow @MozillaGigabit for updates, and check out our wiki in KC or CHA for all the details you need to move from demo to doing  and to go big with the gig.

We look forward to helping you bring your ideas to life!