Project Title:
Drake State Community & Technical College: Connecting Minority Communities of North Alabama
Funding Program:
Connecting Minority Communities Program
Project Purpose/Type:
The Drake State Community and Technical College's Connecting Minority Communities project aims to eliminate historical inequities related to broadband and computer access within the anchor communities in and around Madison County, Alabama. The proposed program will provide access to laptops with broadband access, home broadband access for anchor community members, streamline access to Drake State’s student support resources and online courses, and democratize access to postsecondary education and careers in computer science information systems, cyber security, and cyber defense. With this grant funding, Drake will have the necessary resources to support students’ potential and ambition to earn an Associate’s degree, and for those who desire it, the opportunity to earn an online bachelor’s degree in information technology management or micro-credentials in industry-recognized computer science information certificates.
City/Town/Service Area:
State(s):
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$2,413,182.20Funding Amount$2,413,182.20Total Project Cost0.00Non-Federal Cost Share
Drake State will implement a comprehensive computer and broadband access program that includes: furnishing all college students, including high school students who are dually enrolled at Drake State, with access to LTE-enabled laptops; increasing at-home broadband access for Drake State students’ and their family members by providing home wireless broadband kits to those who live in eligible anchor communities; outfitting a mobile cyber-lab bus with a Wi-Fi hotspot; and boosting access to Drake State’s campus resources through the expansion of access to specialized software via virtual desktop infrastructure. Drake State will partner with and leverage the expertise and capacity of two accredited universities: Alabama A&M University (AAMU) and Western Governors University (WGU). First, Drake State will partner with AAMU to expand access to online student services and learning by implementing an online single sign on software. Second, Drake State will consult with WGU to learn and adopt best practices to design and provide wrap-around services to online students. Drake State will also partner with WGU to expand and enhance Drake State’s online course offerings, including expanding Drake State’s computer information system programs with specialization in Cyber Security and Cyber Defense.
This project will produce the following outcomes. It will address long-standing educational and career inequities by providing students with laptops, bringing Wi-Fi-enabled laboratories to local high schools to support cyber security-related coursework, expanding home access for students and eligible families in anchor communities, and enhance the quality and breadth of Drake State’s online learning opportunities and support services. The implementation of single sign on software will allow the students to access all student support and learning services, such as financial aid, grade reporting, checking email, and the ability to communicate with instructors with a single and secure sign-on method. Additionally, increasing access to specialized software via VDI will enable more students to access and practice learning materials outside of Drake State’s campus, thus enabling the students to learn anywhere anytime. Greater offerings of high-quality online courses will provide the benefit of flexibility in learning opportunities for students. Creating and streamlining a pathway to a 4-year degree for Drake State students will create cost savings for students and promote persistence and completion rates.
This project will serve individuals within Drake State’s immediate community including students, faculty, and staff who will receive access to online student services, expanded course offerings, and access to technology and broadband services. This project will also benefit the family members of Drake State students who reside within Drake State’s surrounding anchor communities in Madison County, AL who will receive access to home wireless broadband kits.
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. Details of community involvement are described below.