Project Title:
Creating Connections: Building Equitable Access to Broadband in Newark through Public-Private Collaborations
Funding Program:
Connecting Minority Communities Program
Project Purpose/Type:
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark (RU-N)'s "Creating Connections: Building Equitable Access to Broadband in Newark through Public-Private Collaborations" project is a multi-stakeholder consortium engaging civic groups, non-profits, a Minority Business Enterprise, and public school and a state agency among others, committed to the enhancement of digital infrastructure and equitable access to it, to learning to use digital technologies, and to developing jobs of the future.
City/Town/Service Area:
State(s):
-
$2,777,052.00Funding Amount$2,777,052.00Total Project Cost0.00Non-Federal Cost Share
The Creating Connections project will expand Rutgers University-Newark campus Wi-Fi and digital capabilities and upgrade campus technology resources to ensure equitable access to broadband with a focus on students with the most need. The project will also expand and innovate the Technology Launchpad to better meet the needs of RU-N students. The Technology Launchpad is a student-centered hub with many services including resources to help with internet connections both on and from off-campus, discounted and free software, free broadband access, and hardware through a laptop loaner program. Creating Connections will provide robust internet service to Residential Community Reintegration Programs and provide technological devices for student-inmates such as laptops, tablets, desktops. The project will also connect Rutgers University–Newark Talent and Opportunity Program students and their family and community to connectivity and technological resources through the Newark Connected Citizen Academy, which will support student’s familial technology ecosystem by training community members ages 14-85 in digital literacy, data science, Introduction to Information Technology, and Microsoft Office Advance Skills and soft skills. The workforce project portion will provide residents and students with access to career pathway trainings to compete in the tech and telecom industry, assist students and residents in obtaining stackable and recognized credentials, and connect participants to internships, apprenticeships, and jobs. Cohorts of high school students will be trained in the fundamentals of data science, survey design, implementation, engage in service-learning community survey projects, and analyze findings for dissemination and sharing.
The Creating Connections project will create a more connected campus and equitable access to high quality broadband for Rutgers University (RU-N) students and community members and enhance digital resources for RU-N students with the most need for equitable student access and support. The project will also empower a connected citizenry through digital fluency and data science training, the provision of devices and affordable broadband service. Lastly, students and community members will be prepared for broadband jobs in the digital economy with workforce and soft skills training and talent development.
Students, faculty, and staff at RU-N and community members in Newark, New Jersey will benefit from the Creating Connections project. All students, faculty, staff will benefit from upgraded campus technology, broadband service, and Technology Launchpad services. Residents engaged in the Residential Community Reintegration Programs will receive broadband connection and student-inmates will receive a laptop or similar device. Community families will receive training from the Newark Connected Citizen Academy. Community members and students will be trained in broadband related job fields. Cohorts of high school students will receive data science education.
Teknogrid is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) member of the consortium that is collaborating on the Creating Connections project. Teknogrid, will be preparing members of the community for the digital jobs of the future through a workforce development program that includes state-approved apprenticeship programs and paid on-the-job training opportunities.
The applicant does fund a consortia. The applicant’s activities do occur in the surrounding anchor communities. Details of community involvement are described below.