The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) authorized two grants as part of the Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program, bringing the total amount of funds distributed under the program to $27,198,200 across 12 educational institutions. The grants will be used to deliver internet access, purchase equipment, and to hire and train information technology personnel.
Long Beach City College, a Hispanic serving institution, received just over $2.9 million. It will use the grant to support its Student Technology and Resources program to help address gaps in internet access among students.
Albany State University, a Historically Black College and University, also received more than $2.9 million. It will use the grant to expand access to remote learning by expanding broadband internet access, connectivity, and promoting digital inclusion in the community.
The CMC program is part of President Biden’s Internet for All initiative and specifically directs $268 million from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 for expanding high-speed internet access and connectivity to eligible colleges and universities.
The Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives authorized the funds. Established in August 2021 within NTIA’s Office of Internet Connectivity and Growth, the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives promotes equitable broadband access and adoption at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Minority Serving Institutions, and their surrounding anchor communities. Given their decades of investment in minority students and their communities, these institutions are effective catalysts for the expansion of high-speed Internet service, notes NTIA.
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