Returning ACC Host Site Application 25-26

Note: This application is for American Connection Corps host sites for the 2025-26 Program Year, which will begin in September 2025. We welcome applications from host sites nationwide, and we encourage organizations to complete this form ASAP to indicate general interest - organizations are not committing to anything by submitting. Returning Hosts are required to apply by February 26th, 2025 to be considered as a 25-26 ACC Host Site.

About Lead For America:
Lead For America (LFA) is a national nonprofit organization committed to building a leadership force of moral, dynamic, and locally rooted leaders who serve communities across the country. Through the American Connection Corps (ACC), LFA mobilizes members to work within digitally disconnected communities, helping to tackle critical issues that impact economic opportunities and social equity.

Program Overview: American Connection Corps (ACC)
The ACC is an AmeriCorps program that leverages national service to combat rising cultural divides, social and economic inequities, and community insularity by placing members in digitally disconnected communities. ACC members work to expand economic opportunities, bridge social networks, and expose both themselves and their communities to new possibilities. Members serve alongside local partners on initiatives designed to foster connection and build a brighter future for all involved.

ACC members focus on fostering connections in three key areas:

• People: ACC brings together individuals who might not otherwise meet, whether they live in different neighborhoods within the same community or across regions of the country.
• Places: Members build skills and develop deep, lasting connections with the communities they serve, becoming passionate ambassadors during and after their service.
• Possibilities: ACC empowers members to open their communities to new opportunities in education, health, and the economy by leveraging digital tools and fostering engagement.

Member Impact

ACC Members serve full-time for one year in digitally disconnected communities, working with local institutions to enhance economic prosperity, expand access to digital resources, and build stronger, more connected communities. Through their service, members create lasting impact by increasing digital connectivity, bridging divides, and addressing local challenges in ways that are deeply respectful of place.

Key Responsibilities:

• Expand Economic Opportunities: Work with local organizations to identify and address barriers to economic growth, particularly those related to digital access.
• Foster Social Connectivity: Engage with diverse groups to strengthen local social networks, ensuring that digital tools can be used to create new connections and opportunities.
• Tailored Service: Adapt service activities to meet the unique challenges and opportunities of the community, ensuring that all initiatives reflect local needs and culture.
• Sustainable Impact: Work on projects that will continue to benefit the community long after the service year has ended.

Requirements

American Connection Corps host organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities (local, tribal, state, etc), or faith-based organizations focused on non-religious activities. Furthermore, all host sites should fall into one of our three program areas. Examples of types of sites that might fall into each area are listed below: 

• Community and Economic Development: Broadband offices, municipal governments, planning commissions, connectivity-focused nonprofits, and more.
• Health and Social Capital: Community health centers, health systems, housing organizations, school districts, and more.
• Agriculture and Natural Resources: Extension offices, local farm bureaus, energy or land use organizations, ag-focused nonprofits, and more.

Note: Hosts are required to provide a financial contribution.

• Host sites provide a local match to federal AmeriCorps and philanthropic contributions. The standard cost for hosting a Member is $35,000/year. Financial scholarships are available for qualifying host organizations, based on community size, organizational budget, and local need - these can significantly reduce the host contribution amount. Complete your application to speak with an ACC representative in more detail about your host site contribution.

Reminder: Returning Hosts are required to apply by February 26th, 2025 to be considered as a 25-26 ACC Host Site.