Project Title:
Claflin University Connecting Minority Community Project
Funding Program:
Connecting Minority Communities Program
Project Purpose/Type:
Claflin University's Connecting Minority Communities project will bridge both on-campus and near-campus broadband divides for Claflin University’s underserved students. By providing ubiquitous wireless broadband Internet access and a computer lending program, Claflin hopes to close the digital divide among its underserved students. In addition, the Digital Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program will allow Claflin University to fully leverage and maximize new investments in broadband and technology by expanding educational instruction and remote learning opportunities by building the digital and instructional capacity to deliver a web-based, asynchronous entrepreneurship training program.
City/Town/Service Area:
State(s):
-
$2,999,440.00Funding Amount$2,999,440.00Total Project Cost0.00Non-Federal Cost Share
Claflin University's project will upgrade the university broadband network in all major campus buildings and residential halls to the fastest speed available. The university will introduce a new Student Technology Equity Program (STEP) that provides long-term loans of laptops and hotspot access points to assist students with course work. The university will develop the Digital Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program, a new program that aims to expand educational instruction and remote learning opportunities by building the digital and instructional capacity of Claflin University to deliver a web-based, asynchronous entrepreneurship training program that creates opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship for students. Finally, Claflin will upgrade campus wireless access points to meet new standards.
Claflin University's project will upgrade its wireless infrastructure to increase average speeds to students both on-campus and off-campus. This will upgrade campus buildings with new fiber and install switches in campus buildings. Targeting local black-owned businesses, the project will increase the adoption of small businesses, integrate digital tools, revenue, expansion, and job growth. The STEP program will allow students both on and off-campus to utilize the network upgrades by using provided laptops to enroll in new educational instruction and remote learning opportunities.
This project will benefit Claflin University students who live in residence halls and additional students as they attend classes. The anchor community in Orangeburg, South Carolina will also benefit from the project through increased broadband connectivity.
The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.
The applicant does fund a consortium. The applicant’s activities do occur in the surrounding anchor communities. Details of community involvement are described below.