According to a news release, the funding comes from the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program (CMC), part of the Biden-Harris administration’s Internet for All initiative to expand access to high-speed Internet and technology needed for telework and digital education. The news release said grants will go toward the creation of “community technology hubs,” classroom technology upgrades, IT personnel, programs to expand Internet access and digital literacy initiatives at institutions across 10 states. Recipients include H. Councill Trenholm State Community College in Alabama, the University of Arizona, Loma Linda University in California, Broward College in Florida, St. Augustine College in Illinois, Dominican University in Illinois, Simmons College of Kentucky, Coppin State University in Maryland, Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina, St. Augustine’s University in North Carolina, Central State University in Ohio and Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.
“High-speed Internet service is going to create opportunities, increase productivity, and improve lives, particularly in communities that have too often been left behind,” Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves said in a recent announcement. “At the Commerce Department, we’re committed to seeing investments from initiatives like the Connecting Minority Communities program create opportunities for good jobs supported by equitable hiring, fair compensation, safe workplaces, and the tools and training needed for long-term success.”
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson said the Connecting Minority Communities program will equip more students with skills and technology to be competitive in an increasingly digital economy.
