Project Title:
The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program supports the broadband adoption and digital literacy needs of over 7,000 low-income minority stakeholders in anchor communities in Chicago, IL.
Funding Program:
Connecting Minority Communities Program
Project Purpose/Type:
St. Augustine College (SAC)'s Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program aims to address digital inequities through investments in infrastructure, affordable broadband connections and devices, and digital literacy training. The project will help close the digital divide, spur economic development, and create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship for communities of color and nontraditional populations experiencing barriers to digital inclusion.
City/Town/Service Area:
State(s):
-
$2,682,359.00Funding Amount$2,682,359.00Total Project Cost0.00Non-Federal Cost Share
The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program will provide free basic Internet access to low-income minorities and nontraditional populations in target anchor communities. The program will also design and deliver linguistically, culturally, and age-appropriate digital literacy services to a continuum of at-risk populations. Additionally, the project will enable every St. Augustine College student household to access a remote learning device for two years.
St. Augustine College (SAC)'s Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program will result in low-income households provided with subsidized broadband access and equipment. It will stimulate the adoption and community use of broadband services for remote learning, telework and entrepreneurship, economic growth, and job creation in target anchor communities by delivering digital skills, digital inclusion, workforce development programs, and technology services to target populations.
All students, staff, and faculty of St. Augustine College (SAC) and community members in Little Village and South Lawndale neighborhoods of Chicago, IL will benefit from this project. Community households will receive free internet access services and every SAC student will receive a remote learning device.
The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.
The applicant does not fund a consortia. The applicant’s activities do occur in the surrounding anchor communities. Details of community involvement are described below.