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Google Fiber announced a community-based "fellowship" program Thursday aimed at helping bridge the digital divide in Salt Lake City, Provo and six other Google Fiber cities.

The program, operated in conjunction with the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN), seeks to reach out to people who don't — or can't — use the Internet.

"Problems of digital literacy can be addressed through sustained work by local organizations, community leaders and the private sector," said a statement from Google Fiber. "That is why we are piloting the first-ever Digital Inclusion Fellowship."

Google and NTEN are now seeking applications for the program. Candidates "should be passionate about helping undeserved communities, have excellent communications skills, and have five-seven years experience working with nonprofits or community organizations."

The fellowships pay $33,000 per year plus benefits.

In Salt Lake City, two fellows will be named to work with the Salt Lake Education Foundation. In Provo, one fellow will work with United Way of Utah County. Applications are open until June 10. For information, go to http://www.nten.org/community/dif.

Fellows will receive one week of training at Google's California headquarters and are expected to begin community work during the first week of July.

Google is in the process of building a fiber network in Salt Lake City. A start-up date has not been announced. In Provo, Google Fiber has been operational since January 2014.

The fellowship program is separate from Google's fiber network, said program director Andrew Bentley.

"We care deeply about getting people online," he said.

Christopher Smart