Project Title:
FAME-Building a Digital Pipeline for Prosperity
Funding Program:
Connecting Minority Communities Program
Project Purpose/Type:
Through the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Building a Digital Pipeline to Prosperity project, FAMU seeks to reduce the digital divide in the southside of Tallahassee, FL and increase economic growth in Tallahassee by allowing students and community members to access the Internet using FAMU's high-speed broadband infrastructure and provide them the with tools, technical assistance, knowledge, and information to enhance their skills and incomes.
City/Town/Service Area:
State(s):
-
$5,395,671.00Funding Amount$5,395,671.00Total Project Cost0.00Non-Federal Cost Share
Florida A&M University (FAMU) will implement the Building a Digital Pipeline to Prosperity project through six key activities. FAMU will: 1) Purchase and install the hardware and software necessary to ensure secure, comprehensive coverage accessible at all times in every building and critical outdoor spaces on campus; 2) Create a technical assistance program to ensure all campus and community stakeholders receive the support they need to be successful users of high-speed Internet and online content; 3) Upgrade and relaunch the Center for Public Computing and Workforce Development to increase the digital skills and economic opportunities for students and anchor community members; 4) Establish a Pre-K to Ph.D. pipeline by creating age- and content-appropriate STEM- and digital-readiness curriculum for students at every grade level; 5) Train and graduate more students across disciplines who understand data science and how data applies to their field of study, decision-making, and life; and 6) Conduct an evaluation of the grant to determine the effectiveness, efficiency, and short-term impact of the grant activities.
FAMU's plan of action will increase its technological capacity through broadband upgrades, create a rich virtual learning ecosystem populated by compelling instructional content, strengthen its talent pipeline through focused program interventions, and improve its effectiveness and efficiency through evaluation and planning. Ultimately, FAMU will be ready for any future public health crisis; develop a STEM and digital skills talent pipeline that includes students at the pre-K, primary, secondary, and postsecondary education levels; support workforce training and digital skills development among non-traditional adult learners; offer hybrid learning models to students and the community; and promote regional economic development.
FAMU and its students, faculty, and staff as well as the surrounding anchor community in Tallahassee, Florida will benefit from this project. Users will be able to access the new robust and reliable FAMU broadband network anywhere on the main campus. End-users will be empowered because they have received quality technical support that has helped them navigate their way through device, software, or internet challenges. Student and community leaders will have the devices to execute on life-changing projects and tasks. Community members and students will earn certifications that boost their skills and pay. Students will have access to high quality remote instruction through entirely digitized distance learning programs. Young learners will acquire the digital and STEM skills needed to be competitive in a rapidly evolving digital world. Data-savvy college graduates will be able to apply their valuable knowledge and skills to any project. Overall, the campus will be better prepared for its technological future.
The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.
The applicant does not fund a consortia. The applicant’s activities do not occur in the surrounding anchor communities.