Digital Inclusion Trailblazers are municipal, county, or regional governments that are paving the way and providing excellent models for digitally inclusive communities.
The Trailblazers recognition, administered by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) isn’t just an award — it’s also a collection of valuable resources. The places selected as Trailblazers provide models to aspire to, demonstrating how local governments can support their own digital inclusion ecosystems.
Who Should Complete This Application?
Any local government may apply to be a Digital Inclusion Trailblazer. Local governments include:
- Municipalities
- Townships
- Counties
- Regional governments
Individuals or organizations outside of local government should encourage their local government to apply, and may even assist by compiling documentation and resources for submission. However, the primary and media contacts for each application must be staff at the local government seeking Trailblazers recognition.
Application Window and Timeline
Applications for the 2026 Trailblazers recognition will be accepted through October 13, 2026. NDIA staff reviewing submissions may follow up to clarify documentation within the application window. All applicants will be notified of their Trailblazers status prior to a public announcement of the 2026 Trailblazers recipients this Winter. Trailblazer communities will also be honored with an awards ceremony at Net Inclusion 2027.
More information on the application and past awardees is available here.