ASU SolarSPELL Initiative
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.
612
Libraries implemented
15
Countries served
1,092
Trainers trained
420,000
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.
News & updates
SolarSPELL wins SXSW’s top innovation award
March 20, 2025
Our team experienced a roller coaster of emotions at the Innovation Awards Ceremony. Relive the night with us, and learn why this honor means so much to us.
SolarSPELL wins ‘best in show’ award at SXSW
March 18, 2025 | ASU News
ASU professors from a variety of disciplines made a big splash at the South by Southwest festival of technology and culture in Texas earlier this month.
Peace Corps to SolarSPELL: forever tied to Rwanda
Feb 27, 2025
“I thought that my time there would be a standalone chapter in my life. Little did I realize that Rwanda would weave its way into every stage of my life after service.”
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.
Our partnerships
SolarSPELL’s work would not be possible without multiple partnerships and collaborations with organizations such as Peace Corps, UNHCR, and Voice of America. Our partners span multiple focus areas, from in-field implementation to library content, and more, as well as include collaboration with government ministries.
Our largest in-field implementation partner to-date is Peace Corps, with whom ASU-SolarSPELL signed a Global Strategic Partnership in May 2020. This partnership facilitates collaboration with Peace Corps posts around the world to meet information needs across sectors. ASU-SolarSPELL’s partnership with Voice of America, enables SolarSPELL to bring high-quality English language learning content to learners globally.
SolarSPELL is always seeking new partnerships and opportunities for collaboration to sustainably implement localized digital libraries in the hardest-to-reach locations.
