Phoenix College

The Phoenix College (PC) Boundless Broadband Transforming Minority Communities project intends to build broadband for and increase access to underserved communities. In order to build broadband capacity and IT capacity, PC will:

1. expand broadband connections and training of college IT Staff, student internships and expanded IT; staffing
2. enable remote access to Close 2Home, PC's broadband accessible remote services platform; and
3. expand broadband bandwidth at college satellite campuses.

In order to increase broadband access. 

1. PC will establish a 24x7 CoWorking Academic Space to provide students with access to tools and hardware needed for study;
2. create a FLEX Facility (Flexible Learning Experiences) to provide students with FLEX learning across multiple modalities;
3. extend PC's laptop loaner program and grant laptops to students in need; and
4. establish a Help Desk providing support to students, and education, and awareness on broadband programs and adoption.
5. In order to build digital skills and IT workforce capacity, PC will introduce Mobile Learning Modules to expand and create new capacity to provide experiences beyond the college campus in
   1. computer science STEM education, 3D modeling, cybersecurity, eSports and support for English Second Language (ESL) learners;
   2. establish a Workforce Curriculum for an Emerging Wireless Market certificate program;
   3. provide laptops, broadband routers, and training in digital tools, broadband education and awareness support for ESL students; and
   4. transform digital cloud computing, web design, introduction to cybersecurity, and digital literacy certificate programs for remote education.

Over the course of project, Phoenix College (PC)'s institutional capacity will be increased ten-fold and 800 devices will be deployed to high-need, low-income students. More than nine technology staff members will support broadband education, awareness, and support. The project will create new and convert existing open educational resource materials with recognized faculty subject matter experts across multiple program areas, create a new 12-credit certificate program in emerging wireless technologies, and expand PC's capacity to deliver workforce academic pathways.

Phoenix College students and faculty and the anchor community in Phoenix, Arizona will benefit from this program. Students will have increased access to devices, remote access via Close2Home, and access to a 24x7 support facility. Students in the English as Second Language program will have access to hundreds of laptops, and all students will have the ability to access a cache of hot spots for at-home and mobile use. Students will have more opportunities to connect to on-campus and remote educational resources and services. Phoenix College faculty and staff benefit from the expanded broadband network. Staff will gain professional skills in developing resources specifically for remote education. Minority communities in the anchor community will benefit from outreach with college services and broadband connectivity information. Anchor communities will also have expanded workforce development opportunities.

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.