Project Title:
Creating Connected Communities to Provide Opportunities - Project C-3PO
Funding Program:
Connecting Minority Communities Program
Project Purpose/Type:
Eastern New Mexico University Roswell (ENMUR)'s "Creating Connected Communities to Provide Opportunities (Project C-3PO)" project aims to increase broadband connectivity and computer aptitude in the communities of Roswell, Dexter, Lake Arthur, Hagerman, and Midway, New Mexico. Project C-3PO is aimed at increasing computer literacy, creating skilled ENMUR IT staff members, and providing the ability for students, community members, and MBEs to checkout technology equipment such as hot spots and laptops, as well as broadband services.
City/Town/Service Area:
State(s):
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$1,945,329.00Funding Amount$1,945,329.00Total Project Cost0.00Non-Federal Cost Share
Utilizing a three-pronged approach, Project C-3PO activities fall into the categories of Education and Training, Awareness and Access, and Equipment and Support. In the Education and Training category, ENMUR will: survey community residents to identify gaps in computer literacy; develop computer training courses to be offered at community training locations; train IT support staff to assist with all IT needs on campus and to operate an extended hour computer support hotline; and establish learning centers at community anchor locations. In the Awareness and Access category, ENMUR will: survey community residents to identify broadband access needs; develop and launch a marketing campaign to inform students, community members and MBEs about the opportunity to acquire free broadband access, laptops, and free computer literacy courses; and work with participants to identify and assist them in obtaining low-cost broadband options. In the Equipment and Support category, ENMUR will: create an extended hour computer support hotline for use by students, community members, and MBEs; utilize hotspots as broadband access points to allow participants to connect to a Wi-Fi network with a phone, tablet, laptop, etc.; make laptops available for check out by participants to attend computer literacy courses, allow students to complete course work, and provide MBEs with technology support for running their small business; and set up service plans for hotspots and public wireless systems.
Project C-3PO will provide much needed assistance to qualified students, community members, and small businesses in the targeted service area. The additional access to broadband and computer literacy skills will spur economic development by increasing computer literacy skills and creating opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship with MBEs. The identified New Mexico communities of Roswell, Hagerman, Dexter, Lake Arthur, and Midway historically suffer from low educational attainment rates, low high school graduation rates, limited English skills, high poverty rates, high unemployment rates, and limited access to broadband. It is anticipated that this project will spur an increase in student engagement and educational attainment.
Eastern New Mexico University Roswell (ENMUR) students, faculty, and anchor community members in Roswell, Dexter, Lake Arthur, Hagerman, and Midway, New Mexico will benefit from this project. At the conclusion of Project C-3PO, participating students, community members, and MBEs in the targeted service area will have increased access to equipment and broadband, increased access to low-cost broadband, and computer literacy training.
The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.
The applicant does not fund a consortium. The applicant’s activities do occur in the surrounding anchor communities. The proposed project intends to conduct activities in the community. Project activities in the community will be conducted at the following locations: Roswell Public Library, WESST, ENMUR Adult Education Family Center, Dexter Public Library, Lake Arthur Municipal Schools, and Hagerman Public Library.