U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Tim Kennedy announced $9.2 million in federal funding for Niagara University for its Niagara Falls Access & Education Project . The funding, coming from the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act will be used for purchasing new library devices, improving public library computer infrastructure and digital literacy training.
"Access to the internet is not a luxury, but a necessity for modern life," said Sen. Schumer in a statement. "Thanks to the Digital Equity Act I led to passage in the Senate , $9 million in federal funding is headed to Niagara University to ensure people across the City of Niagara Falls have access to reliable internet access. These federal resources will help students better access devices such as laptops and tablets to do homework and also improve public library computers, boost digital literacy, expand online safety and cybersecurity training and more."
Niagara University had submitted an application to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for its Digital Equity Competitive Grant program. Over the grant's five-year lifespan, running from May 2025 through April 2029 , the project will serve more than 2,000 individuals without sufficient internet access.
Karen Kwandrans , vice president of Government and Community Relations for NU, said the project stemmed from focus group work the college did in identifying community needs, with digital access being near the top.
"It's for the community to have the information and capacity needed for full participation in the society and economy of the U.S. ," Kwandrans said.
The grant has to focus on certain populations like aging individuals over age 60, disabled people, those with language barriers, and households with high poverty rates.
The City of Niagara Falls will spearhead the digital access initiatives while Niagara University will provide education and training in conjunction with the Niagara Falls City School District , Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center , Community Health Center of Niagara , senior centers, and community-based partners. NU students will also lead project-based learning initiatives.
WNY Independent Living will provide courses on how to use computers while Jewish Family Services' courses will be focused on immigrants and refugees. M&T Bank will provide financial literacy workshops as well.
Schumer's letter of support also points out that library kiosks with broadband Wi-Fi access would be installed throughout the eight neediest census tracts across the city, covering 7.2 square miles. The standalone kiosks would act as Wi-Fi hotspots and a library tool for checking out and returning books.
At the Niagara Falls Public Library , visitors can use their library card to have 24/7 access to up to 200 computers the library uses, along with laptops and tablets.
Niagara University would develop programming for basic digital literacy, accessing healthcare resources online, and use of accessibility features. The school is also developing a public community center at its long-planned Academic Innovation Hub on Cleveland Avenue .
Around 12,000 students in the Niagara Falls City School District , 3,000 per year, will also receive training on how to develop an online presence and learn how to protect themselves online.
Two NU professors are also designing a micro-credential course in artificial intelligence that would lead to an industry certification.
"We are extremely grateful to Senator Schumer for his steadfast support in securing funding for yet another vital collaborative, community initiative that reflects Niagara University's Catholic and Vincentian approach to transformative, cutting-edge, experiential education," said Niagara University President Rev. James Maher , C.M. "Together, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to community-facing programs that not only benefit the Niagara region but also provide our students and faculty with real-world, impactful experiences that foster greater inclusion, economic opportunity, and community growth."
© 2025 the Niagara Gazette (Niagara Falls, N.Y.). Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
