Warner & Kaine Announce $10.5 Million in Federal Funding to Promote Digital Equity in Virginia

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced $10,500,000 in federal funding for the Virginia Department of Education to promote digital equity across Virginia. This funding was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which both senators helped pass. It was awarded through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA) Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.

"We are proud to have helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which continues to deliver for Virginians," the senators said. "We are glad that this federal funding will help close the digital divide and help ensure all Virginians have the resources and digital skills to fully take advantage of the opportunities high-speed internet provides."

Specifically, the funding will be used to support Digital Navigators, who are trained staff that work across Virginia to help individuals access the internet, find devices, and learn crucial digital skills.

Warner and Kaine have long worked to expand broadband access and promote digital equity. This announcement complements $18.3 million provided to Virginia last month through the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which also works to help close the digital divide and was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Last May, Kaine introduced the Investing in Digital Skills Act, bipartisan legislation to better equip adult education programs with the resources needed to prepare individuals for the evolving demands of the digital economy. Last February, Kaine led bipartisan, bicameral legislation to expand access to foundational digital skills training for workers.

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