The Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy (IMRP) in partnership with the Criminal Justice Policy and Planning Division (CJPPD) at OPM is proud to launch ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways Program.
This effort, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), is dedicated to advancing digital opportunities for justice-impacted populations.
We are currently inviting Connecticut libraries to partner in this initiative by responding to our Request for Proposals (RFP). Libraries play a critical role in bridging the digital gap, and your participation can help deliver training that normalizes and expands services for incarcerated patrons, both within correctional facilities and in community-based reentry programs.
ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways Program aims to ensure that returning citizens have equitable access to information, digital skills, training, and community resources that promote educational, economic, and civic engagement. The target population includes individuals under or previously under the custody of the CT Department of Correction and justice-impacted people seeking access to library resources. Libraries can also serve immediate family members of currently incarcerated individuals.
Funding will support programming through December 31, 2026. The estimated total amount available under this RFP is up to $1,000,000, with award sizes based on project scope and number of sites.
Libraries may propose activities including, but not limited to:
Service Development & Expansion
• Extend library services (e.g., library cards, access to collections, dedicated hours) to incarcerated individuals at the Connecticut Department of Correction (CTDOC) facilities.
• Develop or contribute to reentry toolkits that support patrons as they transition back into the community after incarceration.
• Build collaborations with community partners that support reentry, including halfway houses, higher education institutions, job readiness programs, educational resources, and access to benefits and healthcare.
• Expand programming through partnerships with digital learning platforms (e.g., LinkedIn Learning) to provide relevant training in workforce, financial literacy, and technology skills.
Digital Navigation & Access
• Serve as a host site or co-facilitator for the Digital Pathways curriculum.
• Provide access to public internet, devices (e.g., laptops, tablets, laptop kiosks), and dedicated space for digital learning.
• Offer or expand access to digital resources such as databases, eBooks, and learning platforms.
• Promote digital literacy programs and support services for returning citizens.
Proposals should reflect, where possible, alignment with the American Library Association’s Standards for Library Services to the Incarcerated and Detained. While completeness is important, we understand each library is different and aim to keep this process flexible and approachable. If needed, IMRP may request clarification or additional details after submission.
A full list of proposal requirements are included at the bottom of this page.
The submission timeline for the RFP process includes:
Informational Webinar – October 24, 2025
Questions Submissions Until November 14, 2025
Proposals Due November 21, 2025
Review Period November 24-December 15, 2025
To learn more about this opportunity – or to have your questions answered – please join us this Friday, October 24th from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon for an informational webinar.
Follow this link to register for the webinar: Registration link
During this session, we’ll cover:
- An overview of the ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways program
- Eligibility criteria and the types of projects that may be funded
- How to submit a proposal and important deadlines
Following the webinar, a list of Q&A will be posted. Guidance on proposals are listed below.
In the meantime, if you have additional questions or if you cannot make the webinar but would like more information, please email imrp@uconn.edu and include “ReConnect CT: Digital Pathways program RFP” in the subject line.
Proposal Requirements
Applicants are asked to respond to each of the proposal requirements listed in the RFP. While a table of contents and formal formatting are not required, proposals should be organized in a way that addresses all required components.
1. Project Abstract – Applications shall include a clear and concise abstract of 500 words or fewer that summarizes the proposed project. The abstract should be written for a general audience and describe how participants will be recruited and outline the proposed service delivery model. If funded, the abstract may be shared publicly to describe the work.
2. Title Page – The title page shall include the project title, submission date, RFP name, and complete contact information (address, telephone number, and e-mail address) for the applicant organization and key personnel.
3. Organizational Overview – Applicants must provide a brief overview of their organization. This should include a summary of your organization’s history, current programs and services, populations served, yourorganizational mission, and any relevant experience serving justice-impacted populations.
4. Program Narrative – The program narrative should describe the overall purpose, goals, and design of your proposed project. It should explain how your library plans to meet the goals outlined in this RFP, including any plans to develop or expand services. Be sure to describe how you will engage with community partners and address any anticipated challenges, along with strategies to overcome them. The narrative should also include a detailed budget outlining proposed costs for staffing,supplies, outreach, technology, other anticipated costs, and any in-kind services.
5. Statement of Any Limitations – Applicants shall describe the needs that their proposal addresses, such as limited library or internet access for incarcerated individuals. Reference relevant research or local data to support your understanding of the problem.
6. Program Design and Staffing Capacity – Applicants shall provide a detailed description of the program design, including location/branches, available staff and training needs, and points of contact for the program.
7. Evaluation Participation – Applicants shall describe staff capacity and availability to participate in evaluation efforts, including any previous experience with external evaluation processes.
8. Implementation Plan – Applicants shall submit a draft implementation plan with a general timeline indicating major tasks associated with the project, assigns responsibility for each, and plots completion of each task by month or quarter for the duration of the award, using “Year 1,” “Month 1,” “Quarter 1,” etc., not calendar dates. IMRP will work with grantees to finalize implementation plans after awards are made.
9. Potential Impact – Applicants shall describe the anticipated impact of their program, particularly how it may influence or inform equitable library access and reentry practices across Connecticut.
The ReConnect CT team thanks you in advance for your interest in this project and your commitment to digital inclusion and community access!