Seven Stars Communities 2026 Application

Seven Stars Communities 2026 Application
Overview

Seven Star Communities is a program that highlights Native entities leading the way in building and supporting digital inclusion ecosystems and provides an opportunity for Tribal entities to learn from each other. Organizations selected as Seven Star Communities serve as models of excellence for sustainable connectivity solutions that address the educational, health, economic, cultural, and social needs of their Native communities. Seven Star Communities demonstrate digital self-determination by increasing governance capacities through strategic planning, dedicated funding, strong leadership support, and community engagement. See the Seven Star Community Infosheet for more information.
Eligible Applicants Include:
- Tribal/Indigenous governments, including Federally-recognized and state-recognized Tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian communities. If awarded, the award will recognize the Tribe.
- A political subdivision of a Tribal/Indigenous government, such as a district, community, pueblo, city/town, village, chapter house, etc.
- A Native-led organization or entity that serves members of Tribes from the lower 48 states, Alaska Native Tribes and Corporations, and Native Hawaiian communities. Organization types may include:
  - A community-based nonprofit organization
  - A for-profit organization owned/managed by the Tribe/Indigenous government
  - A place-based organization not located on Tribal lands (e.g., urban Indian organizations)
*A letter of support from the Tribe/Indigenous community may be required if the relationship between the applicant organization and the community is unclear.
Application Window and Timeline

Applications for the 2026 Seven Star Communities recognition will be accepted beginning on October 26, 2026. All applicants will be notified of their application status prior to a public announcement of the 2026 Seven Star Community recipients later this year. Seven Star Communities will be honored at Net Inclusion 2027.
Tips for Completing This Application
- The Seven Star Scoring Worksheet is a helpful tool for "pre-scoring" an application and identifying documentation sources for each indicator before beginning work on the actual application.
- Each indicator includes a place to upload files and to submit URLs for online resources. You may use either or both of these to provide documentation for the indicators for which you are seeking points.
- While each indicator will only be counted once, multiple sources of documentation are allowed and encouraged! This highlights your organization's work and enhances the value of the Seven Star Communities program to other Native entities.
- There is no size limit on file uploads; however, large files (50Mb or larger) may take a long time to upload or remove, and may be more prone to errors or timing out. Consider compressing large files or breaking them into multiple files for upload.
- To ensure the highest score on your application and avoid follow-up inquiries, please double-check that all indicators for which you are seeking points have at least one source of documentation (an uploaded file or URL) before clicking the submit button.
How Your Responses Will Be Used

Submit documentation for each indicator you respond to by uploading files or URLs (or both) to this form. To provide a complete picture of your work and to maximize the value of the knowledge database, we encourage you to provide as much documentation as possible for each indicator. All relevant resources submitted through applications will be shared publicly on the Seven Star Communities webpage (with attribution), unless an applicant requests that certain resources be kept confidential and not shared (there is a specific field at the end of the survey to denote any resources not to be shared).
Are You a New Applicant or Are You a 2025 Seven Star Community?

Instructions for Returning Applicants
Please note that Seven Star awardee status is valid for two years, which means:
- If you were in the inaugural 2024 Seven Star Community cohort, you must submit a new application to maintain Seven Star Community status for 2026.
- If 2025 was your first year as a Seven Star Community awardee, no action is necessary to maintain your Seven Star Community status for 2026 - YOU MAY STOP HERE & CLOSE THIS APPLICATION.
Important: When selecting your community from the Community Name dropdown menu (below), a link will be made available to view your past application materials. This link will open into a new tab. Please do not close your 2026 application page (this page). The link provided is only for accessing past materials, not for continuing the 2026 application.

Returning Seven Star Community awardees may resubmit materials that are still relevant from their prior application as part of their 2026 submission using the following step-by-step instructions:
- Select your community name from the dropdown menu. This will activate a link to your prior year’s application materials.
- Clicking the link will open your community’s 2025 Trailblazer application in a new tab. The materials in this view are static and are strictly for download purposes. You cannot edit the content in these fields.
- Simply download any documents you wish to resubmit from the prior application materials and upload them to the appropriate indicators in your 2026 application (this window).
- We ask that you carefully review any materials you resubmit to ensure they are still relevant.
- Applicants are encouraged to submit the most current materials available, even if prior application materials are still relevant, and to apply for indicators that they did not previously achieve.
Community Name
2025 Seven Star Communities Application Materials
Previous Seven Star Community Application Materials:
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- Applicant Organization Name
- Type of Organization
- Physical Address of Applicant Organization (Street Address, city, state and zip code)
  
  Street Address
  
  Street Address Line 2
  
  CityState / Province
  
  Postal / Zip Code
- Is location address the same as mailing address?
- Mailing Address of Applicant Organization (Street Address, city, state and zip code)
  
  Street Address
  
  Street Address Line 2
  
  CityState / Province
  
  Postal / Zip Code
- Relevant Program or Department Webpage
- Name of Person Completing Form
  
  First NameLast Name
- Title of Person Completing Form
- Email Address of Person Completing Form
  example@example.com
- Describe the service area your organization represents (you may list more than one)
- Letter of support or document showing approval from your Tribal government (e.g. a Tribal Government Resolution or equivalent formal authorization from the governing body explicitly permitting the entity to apply on behalf of the Native entity) NOTE: This is required for certain entities - see "Eligible Applicants" above.
  
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- Media Contact
- Name of Media Contact at Applicant Organization
  
  First NameLast Name
- Email address of Media Contact at Applicant Organization
  example@example.com
- Please upload a high resolution image of your organization's logo that can be displayed on the Seven Star Communities awardee webpage
  
  Cancelof
- A. Demonstrate regular engagement with Tribal citizens and community members impacted by the digital divide (1 point).
- Documentation shows consistent and ongoing engagement with community members and citizens within the past 5 years, AND/OR Community champion is recognized for impactful community engagement with those most affected by the digital divide within the past five years.
- 1a. Upload Files
  
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- 1a. Webpage URL
- B. Host community conversations providing education and awareness about digital inclusion, such as public meetings, listening sessions, community gatherings and district meetings (1 point).
- Documentation shows how feedback gathered from community conversations (e.g., surveys or meeting notes) informs work.
- 1b. Upload Files
  
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- 1b. Webpage URL
- A. Published local digital equity plan; or digital inclusion is included in Native nation strategic plan (3 points).
- Applicant has submitted a published local digital equity plan OR A distinct digital equity and broadband deployment section of the strategic plan.
- 2a. Upload Files
  
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- 2a. Webpage URL
- B. The process of creating a digital equity plan, or strategic document to include digital inclusion, is underway (1 point).
- Documentation shows that the creation of a digital equity plan has been approved or is underway, AND/OR Documentation shows how digital equity and broadband deployment will form part of the Native nation strategic plan.
- 2b. Upload Files
  
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- 2b. Webpage URL
- A. Practice Indigenous digital sovereignty through the ability to enforce policies that seek to protect their citizens, lands, resources, programs and communities (1 point).
- Documentation shows how policies support and uphold digital sovereignty in the Tribe, and are in consideration of the values and culture of the Tribe, e.g., ownership and control of data, infrastructure, and networks by Native entities.
- 3a. Upload Files
  
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- 3a. Webpage URL
- B. Tribal government officially declares support for digital inclusion (1 point).
- A Tribal leader(s) publicly expresses support for digital equity initiatives, AND/OR A tribal government provides an official response to the digital divide and acknowledgement of applicant's role in the work e.g. recognizing initiatives in a Tribal resolution, State of the Nation address, recognizing Digital Inclusion Week, a regional council of Tribes, or other official declarations.
- 3b. Upload Files
  
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- 3b. Webpage URL
- A. Staff dedicated to digital inclusion within the applicant organization (1 point).
- Part time or full time positions or volunteers who have digital equity initiatives as part of their position description or duties, AND/OR Digital inclusion initiatives have been meaningfully incorporated as part of their larger work in adjacent fields (e.g., workforce development, internet service provider, elder center, cultural center, or education).
- 4a. Upload Files
  
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- 4a. Webpage URL
- B. Use of discretionary funds for digital inclusion programming (1 point).
- Clear decision making from the Tribal entity in supporting digital inclusion projects funded in part within a programmatic budget to work towards digital inclusion initiatives.
- 4b. Upload Files
  
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- 4b. Webpage URL
- C. Hosting a public digital inclusion website, webpage or social media account (1 point).
- Current, up-to-date website with information about digital inclusion related initiatives and activities (e.g., content on resources, videos, and events).
- 4c. Webpage URL
- A. Digital skills (1 point).
- Digital skills training or classes are offered to the community, including instruction for specific populations, AND/OR Direct support for programs are provided to a community partner(s) by the applicant.
- 5a. Upload Files
  
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- 5a. Webpage URL
- B. Device access (1 point).
- Device access programs are present. Programs can include: publicly available devices (e.g. computer labs, loan program in place, learn to earn programs, etc.); devices distributed for people to own (e.g. partnership with refurbisher) and/or; sustainable initiatives (e.g. providing tech support, replacement program for devices, offering free or subsidized devices), AND/OR Direct support for program(s) is provided to community partner(s) by the applicant.
- 5b. Upload Files
  
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- 5b. Webpage URL
- C. Digital navigators (or equivalent) (2 points).
- Digital navigator program offers consistent one-on-one support and in-person classes are widely available, AND/OR Consistent services are offered or office hours are instituted in their work week, AND/OR Direct support for programs is provided to community partner(s) by the applicant.
- 5c. Upload Files
  
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- 5c. Webpage URL
- D. Targeted programming to serve areas of the community (1 point).
- Applicant provides digital inclusion services directed toward specific populations (e.g., elders, veterans, youth), AND/OR Applicant provides programming that works with community partners to identify and address digital equity barriers (e.g., working with other entities to understand areas of need to target support; utilizes local experts, data, or feedback to develop curriculum), AND/OR Applicant provides direct support for community partner program(s).
- 5d. Upload Files
  
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- 5d. Webpage URL
- E. Culturally matched programs (1 point).
- Programs directly reflect the Tribal community and are developed for the Tribal community, considering their culture, language, family dynamics, economic opportunity, etc., e.g. a program's goals include advancing a participants' understanding of how technology is related to preserving, celebrating the culture of the Tribe, AND/OR Direct support for programs is provided to community partner(s) by the applicant.
- 5e. Upload Files
  
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- 5e. Webpage URL
- F. Broadband Adoption & Affordability (1 point).
- Applicant advocates and provides resources for affordable broadband options, (e.g., free wifi spaces or hotspot devices are provided to public; infrastructure efforts have been completed or are in progress; offers or advocates for affordable broadband options for citizens/members/residents; provides an internet subsidy program for Tribal citizens or target populations), AND/OR Direct support for programs is provided to community partner(s) by the applicant.
- 5f. Upload Files
  
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- 5f. Webpage URL
- A. Hosting or membership in a formalized digital inclusion coalition, committee, working group, or other initiative focused on the local digital ecosystem (1 point).
- Applicant is a member/host/co-host of a local coalition that supports digital inclusion, and has consistent engagement with the coalition to advocate for and represent Tribal interests.
- 6a. Upload Files
  
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- 6a. Webpage URL
- B. Hosting or membership in a formalized digital inclusion coalition, committee, working group, or other initiative beyond the local community (1 point).
- Applicant is a member/host/co-host of a digital inclusion coalition or consortium to represent Tribal digital equity interests (e.g., regional Tribal organizations, NCAI Telecommunications committee, state broadband or digital equity committee).
- 6b. Upload Files
  
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- 6b. Webpage URL
- C. Participation in Tribal legislative and rulemaking processes to promote digital equity (1 point).
- Applicant can show their participation was integral to enacting laws or policies in the Tribe for digital inclusion initiatives (e.g., comments submitted during legislative or rulemaking processes).
- 6c. Upload Files
  
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- 6c. Webpage URL
- D. Participation in external (intertribal regional/national, state, and federal) legislative and rulemaking processes to promote digital equity (1 point).
- Applicant has provided comments or support for laws in intertribal regional/national, state, or federal proceedings, AND/OR Applicant provided documentation showing collaboration with intertribal regional/national, state, and federal entities on laws or policies that promote digital equity.
- 6d. Upload Files
  
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- 6d. Webpage URL
- E. Featured on a national or regional platform to advocate for or represent the Tribal community's digital equity interests and initiatives (1 point).
- Applicant shows participation on a panel or as a plenary speaker at a conference to highlight digital equity issues or successes for the Tribe (e.g., agenda of event or recordings are sufficient), AND/OR Digital equity work has been featured on a national or regional platform (e.g., newspaper, magazine, radio, podcasts, video) and the content is shareable.
- 6e. Upload Files
  
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- 6e. Webpage URL
- A. Share how your community understands the digital divide (1 point).
- Applicant provides general context and perspectives about the digital divide in their community; they demonstrate the need for digital inclusion initiatives, AND/OR Applicant offers a collection of perspectives and resources to understand the digital divide, AND/OR Stories have been shared publicly or have been published in an effort to spur conversation about the digital divide.
- 7a. Upload Files
  
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- 7a. Webpage URL
- B. Share how and where you are collecting, documenting, and distributing digital inclusion resources in your community (1 point).
- Applicant has compiled information about the community from secondary digital inclusion data (American Community Survey, FCC Mapping, Affordable Connectivity Program Enrollments, etc.), and has collected and documented information on their specific community (i.e., asset mapping, community surveys, internet speed tests, etc.).
- 7b. Upload Files
  
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- 7b. Webpage URL
- C. Share how you are measuring your direct impact (1 point).
- Applicant provides narrative and supporting documents of the process of measuring impact, such as goals, objectives, action items, timeline, budget AND/OR Applicant has published or distributed this information to help advocate for more digital inclusion initiatives in their community.
- 7c. Upload Files
  
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- 7c. Webpage URL
- While Seven Star Communities is intended to celebrate and share examples of digital inclusion work by Native entities, we recognize that some materials may not suitable for sharing publicly. If any of the documentation you submitted in this application can not be shared in the public Seven Star Communities Resource Inventory, please list the indicator(s) and file name(s) below (e.g., Indicator 4B - "Tribal Budget Doc.pdf").
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Seven Stars Communities 2026 Application

Instructions for Returning Applicants

Media Contact

A. Demonstrate regular engagement with Tribal citizens and community members impacted by the digital divide (1 point).

B. Host community conversations providing education and awareness about digital inclusion, such as public meetings, listening sessions, community gatherings and district meetings (1 point).

A. Published local digital equity plan; or digital inclusion is included in Native nation strategic plan (3 points).

B. The process of creating a digital equity plan, or strategic document to include digital inclusion, is underway (1 point).

A. Practice Indigenous digital sovereignty through the ability to enforce policies that seek to protect their citizens, lands, resources, programs and communities (1 point).

B. Tribal government officially declares support for digital inclusion (1 point).

A. Staff dedicated to digital inclusion within the applicant organization (1 point).

B. Use of discretionary funds for digital inclusion programming (1 point).

C. Hosting a public digital inclusion website, webpage or social media account (1 point).

A. Digital skills (1 point).

B. Device access (1 point).

C. Digital navigators (or equivalent) (2 points).

D. Targeted programming to serve areas of the community (1 point).

E. Culturally matched programs (1 point).

F. Broadband Adoption & Affordability (1 point).

A. Hosting or membership in a formalized digital inclusion coalition, committee, working group, or other initiative focused on the local digital ecosystem (1 point).

B. Hosting or membership in a formalized digital inclusion coalition, committee, working group, or other initiative beyond the local community (1 point).

C. Participation in Tribal legislative and rulemaking processes to promote digital equity (1 point).

D. Participation in external (intertribal regional/national, state, and federal) legislative and rulemaking processes to promote digital equity (1 point).

E. Featured on a national or regional platform to advocate for or represent the Tribal community's digital equity interests and initiatives (1 point).

A. Share how your community understands the digital divide (1 point).

B. Share how and where you are collecting, documenting, and distributing digital inclusion resources in your community (1 point).

C. Share how you are measuring your direct impact (1 point).