MOSCOW, ID – The Regents of the University of Idaho and other Northwest entities are among the 41 organizations recommended for a part of $369 million to support digital skills and inclusion projects in communities nationwide. These investments from the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration will empower individuals and communities with the essential skills they need to thrive in today’s connected world.
The Regents’ total is $13.1 million for their proposed project activities including deployment of portable WI-FI boxes to provide free public access points in rural communities without anchor institutions to address internet affordability; refurbish functional devices for redistribution to covered populations to reduce the digital divide; funding University of Idaho Extension’s Digital Economy Program to continue providing online digital skills classes and expanding staffing to include 12 Digital Opportunity Program Coordinators in communities with high poverty levels, all focused on increasing digital resilience and safety online.
This funding comes from the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program, one of three Digital Equity Act grant programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
From Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration:
“Right now, millions of Americans want to use the Internet, but either don’t know how or can’t afford the devices to do so. The Commerce Department is working to get these Americans the skills and technology they need to take full advantage of their Internet connection so they can better their lives and grow the economy for everyone,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “Today’s announcement, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, is a historic investment in getting everyone in America the tools they need to succeed online.”
Many people in America struggle to use the Internet connection available to them—for example, some cannot afford a computer or tablet at home; others lack the digital skills to navigate online resources and protect their personal and financial information online. Competitive Grant Program funding can be used for a variety of purposes, such as digital skills training, workforce development, access to equipment at low or no cost, or the construction of public computing centers.
“Everyone in America should have a fair shot at participating in the modern digital economy,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson. “But all too often those opportunities are out of reach for many among us. NTIA’s digital inclusion grant programs will change that through funding for devices, skills training, and more—so that seniors, veterans and others can fully participate online.”
The funding announced today will support 41 projects across 46 states and territories. Awards will be issued following budget review and processing.
More information about these awards can be found on the website.
| Regents Of The University Of Idaho | $13.1 million | ID | The proposed project activities include: deployment of portable WI-FI boxes to deploy free public access points in rural communities without anchor institutions to address internet affordability; refurbish functional devices for redistribution to covered populations to reduce the digital divide; funding University of Idaho Extension’s Digital Economy Program to continue providing online digital skills classes and expanding staffing to include 12 Digital Opportunity Program Coordinators in communities with high poverty levels, all focused on increasing digital resilience and safety online. |
| GOODWILL OTC INC | $21.4 million | WA | The proposed project includes the following activities: implementing of workforce development programs that provide certifications in IT skills; distribution of refurbished and newly purchased Internet-capable devices to underserved individuals participating in workforce development programs; establish a technology device refurbishment center with technical expertise, internal software, and best practices to run efficiently and sustainably; outreach and awareness campaigns to promote digital literacy programs and services; digital literacy training, virtual internships, and apprenticeships to equip students with digital skills; establish telehealth access points in community centers and key locations, providing private, safe environments for individuals without reliable Internet access to connect to medical and mental health services. | Washington |
| Goodwill Industries International, Inc. | $11.9 million | AZ, GA, ID, IL, IN, KY, NJ, NV, NY | The proposed project activities include: digital skills training; workforce development services, provision of free internet access at Goodwill computer centers; provision of free internet access to individuals residing in remote areas with remote Goodwill computer centers; provision of internet-enabled devices to Covered Population individuals; and home internet services assistance. | Maryland |
| COMMUNICATION SERVICE FOR THE DEAF, INC. | $10.7 million | TX, AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, NE, NY, NJ, NV | The proposed project includes the following activities: distribution of pre-configured, accessible equipment to Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals; establishment of the Deaf Digital Advancement Initiative – an American Sign Language -centric digital literacy training program that will include offerings such as technology equipment training, ensuring participants can effectively use and maintain their devices; digital literacy training, covering Internet basics, online safety, and digital communication tools; American Sign Language classes focused on technology-related vocabulary and online communication; and job training tailored for the digital workforce, including skills for online job searching and remote work; implementation of a direct video calling support system that aims to facilitate easier access to interpreting services across various state agency settings, significantly enhancing the ability of Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals to communicate effectively and access public services in government offices; develop accessible digital health training programs and creating culturally competent health education materials; and establishing a public health information hotline. | Texas |
| Ameelio, Inc. | $10.7 million | ID, UT | The proposed project activities include: network upgrade/installation for Idaho Department of Corrections and Utah Department of Corrections; provision of tablets to Covered Populations to complete workforce development training and other services to support reintegration, development of and dissemination of learning criteria for educational services to inmates; and technical/customer support for hardware and technological services. | New York |
| HISPANIC FEDERATION INC | $16.1 million | AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, NC, NY, PA, TN, VA, WA, WI | The proposed project includes the following activities: equip youth with digital and career skills; provide advanced digital skills and literacy curriculum as well as after-school coding lessons; offer a range of tailored support services to address their unique challenges; host events at Digital Equity Centers that provide education and resources to community members; provide digital training to minority older adults to ease participant anxiety around digital skills; create year-long paid internships and employment opportunities; bridge the digital divide for low-income individuals who are also parents with a language barrier by providing them with devices, training, and transportation; one on one tutoring and free computer access; establish computer labs with high-speed Internet, providing community members with access to computers, printers, and tech support. | New York |
| REFUGEE WOMEN’S ALLIANCE REWA | $5.5 million | WA | The proposed project includes the following activities: Expand its Digital Literacy Program to a three-tiered set of courses that include an Intermediate Course and an Advanced Course; increase digital literacy services that will incorporate employment training programs, a career advancement program, a home care aide program and a healthcare career advancement program; additionally, a computer basics workshop will be provided so that members can increase their knowledge and can use technical resources to their full potential. |
| National Digital Inclusion Alliance | $25.7 million | AK, AL, AR, AZ, GA, ND, NY, OH, OK, OR, WA | The proposed project activities include: the expansion of Digital Navigator Programs that provide community members with ongoing, individualized support for accessing affordable and appropriate connectivity, devices, and development of digital skills; training and professional development for Digital Navigators; distribution of hotspots; and development of sustainability action plans, individual site, and model program evaluation plans. | Ohio |
| National Lead For America, Inc. | $12 million | KS, AK, AL, AR, ID, MO, MT, OH, PA, VA, VT, WA, WV | The proposed project activities include: funding to support an expansion of the American Connection Corps (ACC) program, which builds a locally-rooted workforce in digitally disconnected communities across the US. Each of the “ACC Members” (“Members”) completes a yearlong paid service placement with a nonprofit or local government that leads digital equity activities in a community that the Member is closely connected to. The activities also include support to build out ACC curriculum and to comprehensively measure the impact of ACC Members’ service to communities over each service year. |
| International Rescue Committee, Inc. | $8.4 million | CA, CO, GA, IA, ID, KS, MD, MT, ND, NJ, NY, TX, UT, VA, WA | The proposed project activities include: delivery of culturally and linguistically accessible digital skills training designed for diverse populations, facilitated access to low or no-cost digital devices, and building skills necessary for employment, education, and community participation; facilitated access to low or no-cost digital devices and associated technical assistance for set-up and connectivity; and evaluation. | New York |
