01/17/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/17/2025 15:13
WASHINGTON - Today, the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has recommended for award more than $369 million to 41 organizations to support digital skills and inclusion projects in communities across the country. These investments will empower individuals and communities across the nation with the essential skills they need to thrive in today's connected world.
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.
"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 below and on our website.
Applicant | Project Area(s) | Proposed Project Activities |
Pueblo Of Jemez | NM |
· Provide free access for the Pueblo of Jemez's rural community to the Pueblo of Jemez's high-speed fiber network · Provide free digital devices including laptops and tablets accompanied by Digital Navigators and Interns to provide technical support for setup and troubleshooting · Implement comprehensive and tailored digital literacy and skills training · Conduct cybersecurity workshops and training about online threats such as phishing, identity theft, and malware · Update and enhance existing public access computing centers. |
National Digital Equity Center | ME |
· Establish a digital navigator corps to scale statewide and to reach Covered Populations across counties and Tribal communities · Expand access to digital skills training and create pathways to higher education · Expand the capacity of the State of Maine's libraries to provide digital equity services · Work with partner community organizations to improve telehealth resources. |
United Way Of Rhode Island, Inc. | RI |
· Provide digital literacy and skills training and programming, including programming for ESL individuals, adults with visual impairments, and older adults · Conduct workforce development programming designed to assist individuals, small businesses, and target communities · Provide device distribution and free or low-cost Internet services · Establish an online Digital Equity community of practice · Conduct outreach events and activities to promote engagement in programming |
Land-of-Sky Regional Council | NC |
· Establish mobile digital inclusion labs to deploy to rural areas, providing workshops on topics like basic computer skills, telehealth, online education, and accessing social services and one-on-one digital navigation services · Establish a device refurbishment program · Deploy five mobile outreach vans (DIGI-BUS) equipped with WiFi and computer labs that will travel to remote areas to conduct programming and also serve as a distribution point for the device refurbishment program · Establish computer labs at community centers. |
Merit Network Inc | MI |
· Develop and deploy a Large Language Model (LLM) trained on digital navigator curriculum to enhance the capacity of current digital navigators. · Launch a validated directory of community, state, and national digital equity resources, offering real-time visibility into their availability and capacity, with a specific focus on a practitioner audience. |
Hispanic Federation Inc | AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, IL, NC, NY, PA, TN, VA, WA, WI |
· 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. |
American Samoa Government | American Samoa |
· Expand vocational programming capabilities of the American Samoa Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for individuals with disabilities, inclusive of youth with disabilities · Expand outreach on disability rights, employment opportunities, and advocacy services through the creation of digital content such as videos, webinars, and workshops · Education and adapted hands-on training programs on digital skills · Provide free internet access to all older adults and individuals with disabilities attending seminars, workshops and/or participating in programs · Provide a community center with free internet access and facilitate activities to low-income school age children and families to increase computer literacy, improve academic achievement, increase college and career readiness and increase parent and family engagement in their children's education · Provide an online financial safety education program for older adults · Conduct a fellows program for high schoolers for training on digital literacy, online privacy and cybersecurity awareness · Create computer labs and offer computer classes in juvenile detention centers · Provide training on key business and digital skills, the program will help participants develop viable online business models, increasing their access to broader markets beyond local boundaries · Equip Digital Navigators with the necessary tools (e.g. audio-visual equipment) to foster digital literacy and inclusion throughout the territory; and establish a computer lab for community members. |
Puerto Rico Blockchain Trade Association Corp | PR |
· Establish labs, including training and outreach to teachers, students, and families, in schools and community centers equipped with STEAM-based tools and technology and computing resources · Establish digital equity labs and technological innovation hubs to provide access to digital tools and education for underserved technology · Launch workforce development programs that delivers both basic and advanced digital skills training · Engage teachers and students in training and development in digital skills and AI literacy · Facilitate community engagement and outreach initiatives to expand engagement in programs. |
United Way of Greater Cincinnati | KY, OH |
· Establish learning hubs in libraries, schools, and other community anchor institutions, providing free WiFi, digital devices, and hands-on digital training to underserved populations · Deploy Digital Navigators among the community to guide individuals in accessing broadband, devices, and digital literacy programs · Leverage the 211 helpline to disseminate information about the learning hubs, broadband programs, and digital training resources. |
Greater Portland Council of Governments | ME |
· Deploy STEM tech kits for digital skills and workforce development · Teach students how to assemble desktops and install operating systems · Expand digital access to municipal government information and services and provide technical assistance to municipal staff and volunteers · Establish targeted affordability funds for broadband access · Increase access to digital devices for the community · Support digital enhancements at anchor institutions · Establish and support connectivity hubs that will allow members to access digital resources and these hubs can provide workforce training, education, and telehealth services · Foster digital skills education through Adult Education Centers and Libraries to provide training to senior citizens · Host Internet safety and cybersecurity workshops across the region. |
Bay Area Council Foundation | CA |
· Increase digital literacy training for Covered Populations through various programs and workshops · Provide device distribution and technical support to households that would not have access otherwise · Establish workforce development programs focused on digital skills with the ability to obtain certifications. |
Government of Guam- Department of Administration | Guam |
· Enhance Guam's Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) and Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) websites to improve accessibility, multilingual support, and streamline processes · Deploy mobile service units to increase access to Real IDs and driver's licenses · Establish an Accessible Digital Hub, employ Digital Navigators, and develop inclusive curricula that will foster digital inclusion and improve employment and educational opportunities for persons with disabilities and other intersecting populations. |
The Center for Independent Living | CA |
· Design curriculum for basic, advanced, and applied digital skills training programs that cover core topics such as internet navigation, assistive technology, and workforce development skills · Hire consultants to assist with instructional design, platform setup, and material development · Employ online learning platforms to be used for virtual and hybrid learning models where learning materials will be uploaded and instructors will be trained to use · Offer paid internship programs with the IT and tech sectors; build relationships with local employers to facilitate job placements for program graduates. |
City Of Phoenix | AZ |
· A library hotspot lending program offering Internet access to low-income households and other Covered Populations · A senior and affordable housing Internet program that expands access and offers digital literacy training · A workforce development program supporting individuals with resources to pursue careers in broadband · A workforce digital navigator program · An initiative to support aging participants with the digital literacy training needed to access medical platforms. |
County of Atlantic | NJ |
· Installation of telecommunications equipment, WiFi upgrades, a computer digital literacy lab, and training · Establish a computer center/digital literacy lab at the justice center · Create a Digital Literacy Lab at the Office of Veteran Services, aiming to mitigate the digital equity barriers currently faced by the county's veterans · Provide satellite Internet services on buses and loaner tablets · Establish Digital Literacy across the County to address the digital equity challenges faced by families and youth. |
Joint Venture: Silicon Valley Network | CA |
· Unite organizations across counties to create partnerships to create culturally relevant and language accessible digital access hubs aimed at overcoming barriers related to lack of digital equity and provide employment opportunities for young adults; increase digital skills training through integrating digital resiliency · Establish access hubs for workshops and provide digital devices with low or no-cost Internet access · Launch a digital equity internship program including computer refurbishment, inventory, and tech exchange · Enhance digital programs by adding on-demand Digital Navigators. |
Louisiana Public Health Institute | LA |
· Improving access to communities in utilizing digital solutions building upon foundational components of broadband · Offering digital literacy training and telehealth capabilities · Collaborating with libraries to design and implement telehealth rooms with medical equipment and devices · Providing linkages to support care coordination across social services and digital literacy education for incarcerated youth being reitegrated into the community · Providing digital literacy training, portable Internet devices, and community engagement strategies to increase utilization for rural farmers and agricultural workers · Train staff and train-the-trainer programs to increase the capacity of libraries to provide valuable services for patrons. |
University of California, Davis | CA |
· Offering in-depth digital literacy programs in correctional facilities and reentry programs, focusing on basic digital skills, online safety, and job readiness · Distributing low- or no-cost digital devices, such as tablets or laptops, to program participants upon release, alongside providing affordable Internet access through partnerships with local broadband providers and community anchor institutions · Expanding access to telehealth services for mental health and other healthcare needs, ensuring incarcerated and recently released individuals have continuous access to vital health services · Enabling participants to access online social services, reconnect with family, and engage with civic resources, such as voter registration and community involvement platforms · Connecting individuals to online job platforms, remote work opportunities, and vocational training resources, with the goal of improving employment outcomes for recently released individuals. |
Sound Mind Sound Body | MI |
· Create a state-of-the-art digital training center, including renovations, that will include high-speed Internet access, modern computers, and interactive learning tools · Host and facilitate annual digital conferences at the city, regional and state levels · Conduct targeted outreach and marketing to highlight program benefits, provide support, and enhance community involvement among Covered Populations · Targeted outreach/marketing strategies to highlight program benefits and enhance community involvement · Workforce development · Partner with Wayne State University educators to research, analyze and assess digital literacy within Wayne County |
Montgomery County, Maryland | MD |
· Provide multi-week courses and single lectures on digital skills at senior centers and libraries · Establish paid multi-media producer apprenticeships to enable digital skills trainings for youth at schools, libraries, and computing centers · Provide workforce training, including IT certification, and career counseling to incarcerated individuals · Provide digital skills training and job-skills counseling to key stakeholder groups. |
WTIA Workforce Institute DBA Apprenti | CA, GA, LA, MI, NC, NJ, OH, TX, WA |
· Implement digital literacy training programs for Covered Populations that cover basic, advanced, and applied skills · Implement workforce development programs-providing basic digital literacy courses, with the option of taking advanced courses necessary to earn a Certificate as an IT Support Specialist. |
Goodwill Industries of the Columbia | WA |
· 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. |
Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation | KS |
· Renovate and upgrade an existing health center to enable telehealth and telemedicine services · Establish a team of Digital Navigators to provide education and outreach on technology in the classroom, group, and on-call scenarios · Renovate and upgrade an existing computer lab into a STEM lab and upgrade devices to increase educational and career opportunities for Tribal youth. |
Refugee Women's Alliance (Rewa) | WA |
· 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. |
The Al Copeland Foundation | CA, LA |
· Increase access to cancer screening and clinical trials, particularly amongst Covered Populations, by leveraging digital technology to integrate these services at underresourced hospitals and clinics · Provide screening of cancer patients for digital health equity needs · Create virtual education programs for Community Navigators and Post Bachelor students to help community members participate in cancer screening programs. |
Florida Hospital Medical Group, Inc. | FL |
· Implement a comprehensive program to address barriers to digital inclusion and improve maternal health outcomes · Specifically for Covered Populations including low-income patients that have high risk pregnancies-enhance digital skills and health knowledge among patients · Establish a Remote Patient Monitoring and Virtual Care Program to serve high-risk pregnant patients · Develop a mobile app that provides tailored and appropriate health education materials including pregnancy risks, translated into various languages · Tablets with hotspots will be provided to patients that have high-risk pregnancies ensuring reliable access to virtual appointments. |
County of Orange | CA |
· Creating Workforce Reentry Computer Labs to increase Internet access · Provide virtual classes towards earning a high school diploma or advanced degree or certificate · Acquiring wiring, WiFi, equipment and essential software and applications · Create Reentry Success Centers for job training · Setting up three classrooms with workstations · Establishing a Workforce Reentry Center for a flexible workforce training space to provide virtual trainings and computer training classes or workshops · Providing devices for individuals that were incarcerated so that they can seek help after they are released · Virtual training for previously incarcerated individuals to become familiar with different areas of employment · Implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered interpretation and translation services to encourage participation in government by individuals with language barriers and hearing-impaired individuals. |
Atautchikun | AK |
· Workforce development trainings to equip Tribal members with digital skills and certifications in technical fields · Youth digital literacy initiatives to teach digital skills and STEM education · Enhanced digital capabilities for small businesses by facilitating improved online presence and marketing, providing e-commerce training, and creating a digital cooperative for local producers · Telehealth services to address barriers to behavioral health services by providing tablets and establishing a secure, free-to-residents telehealth network, and offering ongoing support for users to ensure effective use. |
The Dannon Project | AL |
· Deploy two mobile training units equipped with satellite broadband, AI-powered digital literacy tools, virtual reality (VR) job training platforms, and telemedicine stations to rural and isolated communities · Establish digital opportunity cafes in community anchor institutions to offer free or low-cost broadband access, AI-driven digital literacy training, and telemedicine services · Implement VR workforce development simulations tailored to justice-impacted individuals, veterans, and rural residents, equipping them with the practical skills necessary for stable employment · Deliver digital skills training through AI-powered platforms · Establish telemedicine hubs integrated within community anchor institutions · Redevelop the former Coffeeville High School as a regional digital and economic hub offering broadband-enabled services such as telehealth, VR-based workforce training, and AI-powered digital literacy. |
International Institute of St. Louis | MO |
· Develop curriculum materials and training modules for digital literacy courses, mobile computer lab events, and a resource library · Collaborate with schools, employers, and other community organizations to deliver digital literacy courses · Deploy mobile computer labs with Digital Navigators across the state to conduct events and provide walk-in technical assistance · Develop a resource library to provide information on digital tools, resources, and platforms that can assist with cultural orientation, community integration, and skill development. |
Anchorage School District | AK |
· Develop, implement, expand, and support digital literacy campaigns · Provide interpreters for multilingual curriculum · Partner with community organizations to expand workshops · Install computer charging stations at middle schools · Provide resource rooms and hotspots for students and their families · Host technology assistance events at schools and provide workshops on cybersecurity risks. |
City of Moreno Valley | CA |
· Expand WiFi Gardens that provide free broadband access to low-income individuals and other Covered Populations · Expansion and improvements to the Business and Employment Resource Center (BERC) · Expand the Computer Confident: Moreno Valley Program-a digital literacy initiative housed in and operated by BERC. The program offers digital literacy workshops on a variety of topics relevant to Internet and consumer device users, ranging from basic computer skills to advanced software applications. |
Communication Service for the Deaf, Inc. | 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 |
· 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 · 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. |
Phoenix College | AZ |
· Develop AI-powered digital literacy tools to teach foundational and advanced skills, focusing on adaptable learning experiences tailored to individual student needs · Enhance teaching effectiveness through AI-driven data analysis, allow teachers to personalize instruction and free time from routine tasks like grading and attendance · Prepare students for the workforce with AI-driven simulations, coding tutorials, and job-readiness tools · Incorporate culturally relevant and multilingual content to support students from different backgrounds. |
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee Inc. | WI |
· Improving accessibility to computers for youth · Providing technical training to the students so the computers can be used to their full potential · Providing adult digital literacy classes, which will ensure that families are able to support student learning at home and increase their economic stability · Increase internet access by providing hotspots to students · Host technical training events such as 'family technology night' to teach students and parents how to access and make the best use of e-learning platforms online. |
Department of Human Services | PA |
· Distribute telehealth-enabled devices and ensuring reliable internet connectivity for Pennsylvania's most rural and underserved counties. · Develop and deliver digital literacy programs to equip targeted populations with the skills necessary to engage with telehealth platforms effectively. |
PR Education Initiative Corp | PR |
· Establish at least seven new technology centers in public schools, libraries, and community centers, providing reliable Internet access, computers, and assistive technologies. · Develop the "My Community" app, a comprehensive tool to centralize access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and government resources. · Digital literacy training programs will be offered through structured workshops targeting K-12 students, adults, and community leaders, focusing on basic digital literacy skills, Internet safety, and job-related digital skills. · Develop a robust digital learning platform will be developed to support K-12 students, offering interactive lessons and assessments to enhance both reading and math outcomes. |
City Of Dallas | TX |
· Implement a Digital Navigators Program to facilitate digital navigation services, hotspot devices and digital literacy workshops · Provide direct internet assistance and financial coaching services for Covered Populations · Introduce Virtual Reality technology for older adults to decrease social isolation, increase civic engagement and provide educational opportunities · Establish a new computer lab at a community center to provide reliable internet access and devices accessible to a predominately disconnected community · Create digital literacy and workforce development curriculum for all skill levels and provide digital equipment for incarcerated individuals as a pre-release program to combat recidivism. |
Cache School District 1 | OK |
· Establish a centralized digital literacy community center (Innovation Gateway) in which all stakeholders could participate in digital learning, team collaboration, and cutting edge technology solutions · Provide broadband at the Innovation Gateway to serve those in the community, particularly rural community members and other Covered Populations, who are without Internet · Facilitate workforce advancement opportunities for school district staff to obtain technology certifications relevant to the subjects they teach · Conduct on-site technology lessons for community members · Upgrade technology throughout the school district. |
CNMI Office Of Planning and Development | Northern Mariana Islands |
· Provide students part of Covered Populations with Mi-Fi hotspot devices enabling them to engage fully with digital learning opportunities throughout the academic year · Enhance academic departments' enterprise resource planning system to manage and analyze student data, providing insights into student progress and enabling data-driven decisions to improve student success and workforce readiness · Modernize public transportation for all CNMI residents by integrating real-time bus tracking with Google's Transit Partner Program, implementing a cashless electronic payment system, and installing digital signage for improved communication and ADA compliance · Conduct a Technology Impact Assessment to evaluate the societal effects of introducing, extending, or modifying technology, focusing on unintended, indirect, or delayed consequences · Provide reliable transportation for individuals attending digital literacy workshops. |
Vingn, Inc. | Virgin Islands | · Enhance mobile Public Computing Centers (PCCs). These PCC TechBuses will be equipped for digital learning and workforce training. They will travel to locations accessible to key stakeholders to deliver free programming, including computer use training, afterschool STEM programs, computer coding trainings, cyber security training, broadband field and network operations, computer refurbishment and repair, telemedicine, digital content creation, and serve as a space for community exhibitions and digital device distribution. |
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About the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive Branch agency that advises the President on telecommunications and information policy issues. NTIA's programs and policymaking focus largely on expanding broadband Internet access and adoption in America, expanding the use of spectrum by all users, advancing public safety communications, and ensuring that the Internet remains an engine for innovation and economic growth.