Project Title:
Saint Augustine's University Broadband Upgrade and Digital Equity Initiative
Funding Program:
Connecting Minority Communities Program
Project Purpose/Type:
Saint Augustine’s University (SAU)'s University Broadband Upgrade and Digital Equity Initiative is a group effort in a consortium with two Minority Business Enterprises and a non-profit organization. The project seeks to increase Internet bandwidth capacity and connectivity at SAU and build digital literacy skills and promote digital equity within the SAU campus and anchor communities.
City/Town/Service Area:
State(s):
-
$1,943,715.00Funding Amount$1,943,715.00Total Project Cost0.00Non-Federal Cost Share
The University Broadband Upgrade and Digital Equity Initiative will upgrade existing broadband facilities and resources to increase Internet bandwidth capacity and connectivity at SAU. The project will also build digital literacy skills, and promote digital equity within the SAU campus and anchor communities through a digital navigator program. The digital navigators will assist community members in internet adoption and the use of computing devices.
The University Broadband Upgrade and Digital Equity Initiative will ensure dependable, secure, and cost-effective broadband facilities to host SAU’s Internet access services, core network equipment, and communications equipment. The project will enhance student learning outcomes, improve operational efficiencies, and increase community engagement. Additionally, the project will improve digital literacy capabilities at the individual level and create greater capacity for individuals to become confident using and interacting with technology.
Students, faculty and the greater community in Raleigh, North Carolina will benefit from the improved broadband connectivity and security at SAU. Students will benefit from the training to become digital navigators and community members will be served through the same program.
Southeast Raleigh Promise and TGX Development will be subrecipients for this project. Southeast Raleigh Promise will be a community mobilizer, digital Navigator resource Hub, and training and internship partner for SAU students. TGX Development will conducting pilot community digital equity audits, digital skills training, Northstar certifications, and evaluation and coordinating SAU student Digital Navigators support in pilot communities.
The applicant does fund a consortia. The applicant’s activities do occur in the surrounding anchor communities. Details of community involvement are described below.