ASU SolarSPELL Initiative

Empowering learners globally

Librarians at Rwanda’s Sunzu Yacu Community Library have been using SolarSPELL to transform local education. With your help, we can bring SolarSPELL digital libraries to five more communities in Rwanda.

What we do

The ASU SolarSPELL Initiative empowers offline communities globally by providing localized libraries and building the 21st century skills people need to make informed decisions, increase their self-reliance, and improve their quality of life.

We work closely with local partners to identify information needs, curate relevant content, and continually improve our collections across three sectors:  education, health and agriculture. The SolarSPELL (Solar Powered Educational Learning Library) digital library mimics an online experience by generating its own offline WiFi hotspot to which any WiFi-capable device can connect to freely, and safely, surf the library’s tens of thousands of open access resources.

Localized libraries

Diverse collections feature open source, multimedia content curated to meet local needs.

Solar, offline technology

Rugged, portable and compatible with any Wi-Fi enabled device, our libraries can reach even the most remote.

Train-the-trainer model

Hands-on training gives communities the tools they need to use their library to its fullest potential.

Impact evaluation

Thorough impact evaluation helps us continuously improve our libraries to better meet user needs.

Fall 2025 internships now open

Check out our open roles to see how you can join the SolarSPELL team, enjoy mentorship from our incredible interdisciplinary staff, and have a real-world impact with your work.

Check out the roles

626

Libraries implemented

92%

Report better job preparedness

1,120

Trainers trained

441,000

Estimated number of learners reached

Best in Show, SXSW Innovation Awards

We are incredibly honored to have been named Best in Show in the 2025 SXSW Innovation Awards, which recognize the most exciting creative developments from around the world. It is humbling to have been selected from the 55 finalists spanning 11 categories, and it gives us great hope to know we aren’t alone in believing in the power of libraries to empower people everywhere.

Check out our achievements

Photo by Anthony Moreno, SXSW

News & updates

Education where the internet can’t reach

July 23, 2025 | What Could Go Right?

“Zachary Karabell & Emma Varvaloucas shine a light on a powerful form of providing education. This week, they’re joined by Laura Hosman of Arizona State University…”

Listen now

ASU Initiative bringing education to every part of the world

July 22, 2025 | Arizona’s Family 3TV/CBS 5

“In 2015, SolarSPELL, an initiative at Arizona State University, was launched to bring education to every corner of the globe. ‘At SolarSPELL, we say we’re not a tech…'”

Watch now

Fall 2025 internship opportunities now open

July 1, 2025

Check out our open roles to see how you can join the SolarSPELL team, and have a real-world impact with your work. Applications due July 31

Apply now

Stay in the know

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Contribute to our efforts

Give today and join our community of SolarSPELL library patrons. With your one-time donation or ongoing financial support, your gift empowers learners globally by providing access to localized information paired with the training for long-term success.

Support our work

Our partnerships

SolarSPELL’s work would not be possible without the non-profits, government ministries, intergovernmental organizations and companies that partner with us. We are grateful for their dedication to empowering communities with access to information and internet-ready skill-building!

Learn more