The premier professional development program in digital literacy since 2012.
2026-2027: Join Us For A Year of Connection, Reflection, and Collective Learning
Dear Educators, Librarians, Content Creators & Other Changemakers,
We recognize the constant changes and challenges taking place in our world, and this upcoming year, we want to respond in a way that feels both meaningful and human. Consider this our way of saying thank you. Thank you to the educators, librarians, youth, and media professionals who have shown up, contributed ideas, asked hard questions, and built community with us over the years.
In lieu of convening together at our Summer Institute in July, we invite all past participants, and anyone new who feels called to this work, to join us in an open, ongoing conversation over the next year. This will be a space to reconnect, reflect, celebrate, and rejuvenate together as we navigate what’s next.
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QUESTIONS? Email Kara Clayton at kara_clayton@uri.edu
Rather than centering graduate credit or payment, we’re shifting our focus toward relationships, shared purpose, and collective momentum in ways that are accessible and no-cost/low-cost. Together, we’ll explore how to promote and support effective digital literacy practices in classrooms and communities while also centering mental health, identity, equity, and inclusion. Our goal is to build a collaborative space where ideas grow, connections deepen, and we move forward with intention. This is also a space to share resources and develop tools that support your work in digital literacy and storytelling.
By June 1, 2026 we will share a schedule that includes a combination of short virtual workshops, sharing spaces, open-ended conversations, and panel sessions across the next year as well as opportunities for in-person social gatherings for those more local to Rhode Island. Together, across our different roles, we can build a more connected, creative, and just digital future. We can't wait to see you!
Thank you for attending the Summer Institute in 2025!
Together, by embracing the theme "Finding Our Voices, Sharing Our Stories," you helped us unlock the power of digital storytelling at the University of Rhode Island’s 12th Annual Summer Institute in Digital Literacy. Each day of the Summer Institute builds on the previous day, so all participants attended all four virtual sessions and the three full days in-person in Providence, RI. Click here to learn more about the experience and hybrid schedule from 2025.
CONNECT - ENGAGE - CREATE
We are transforming professional learning
with the power of leadership, innovation & community connection.
What happens at the Summer Institute in Digital Literacy?
What makes our Design Studio process so special?
A hands-on, minds-on
experience
Inspiring keynotes, hands-on creative & collaborative workshops, plus time for rich community conversations.
Tailored to your
individual needs
You can participate in the Summer Institute in Digital Literacy whatever your level of experience, for credit or non-credit.
Here I go again, for the fourth time! Why? This is my story.
My first summer, in what is known as Tier One, was nothing but a leap of faith. I was sure that I needed support to become “digitally literate” but was not even sure what those words meant to me personally or career-wise. To my great delight ... read more
Susan Unger, K-8 Science Teacher
Summer Institute in Digital Literacy? Yes please!
Everyone learns from everyone.
The Summer Institute in Digital Literacy at the University of Rhode Island is the nation’s premier professional development program in digital literacy. Join us in 2025 for a hybrid seven-day interdisciplinary gathering designed especially for educators, librarians, and digital media professionals from around the country who work in K-12 schools or higher education contexts.
Together, we envision new ways to build relationships and take a deep dive into hands-on, minds-on experiences that emphasize inquiry, collaboration, creation, and learning. Reflective walking tours through the city and evening social events across the week will ensure we make the most of our time together.
