Project Title:
Wilberforce University Broadband Access
Funding Program:
Connecting Minority Communities Program
Project Purpose/Type:
The Wilberforce University Connecting Minority Communities project aims to address the significant gaps between the current state of broadband access and connectivity and the desired state of these increasingly foundational resources at Wilberforce University. It will do so through the expansion of broadband capacity and connectivity at the university.
City/Town/Service Area:
State(s):
-
$2,066,822.22Funding Amount$2,066,822.22Total Project Cost0.00Non-Federal Cost Share
The Wilberforce University Connecting Minority Communities project will: (1) expand broadband internet access on campus; (2) create hybrid classrooms by upgrading the equipment and devices available for student and teacher use on campus; and (3) create new IT positions to support technological upgrades and provide Chromebooks to students. Wilberforce University also plans to open its campus library to members of the anchor community where they can utilize the campus broadband services.
The Wilberforce University Connecting Minority Communities project will produce the following outcomes. The broadband expansion will address the internet dead zones on campus. The hybrid classroom upgrades will produce more interactive displays for lectures, better sound equipment to allow recordings, better audio quality and webcam connectivity, classroom video including a rolling lens camera that protects from unwanted recording, and improved sound and presentation in lecture halls. The creation of new IT positions and providing laptops to students will result in proper operations maintenance and assistance with troubleshooting, and access to laptops and equipment for students in need.
This project will benefit the students, faculty, and staff of Wilberforce University, all of whom will have access to the upgraded campus broadband services, hybrid classrooms, and improved IT support. Students in need who do not have access to technology will also benefit from the equipment lending program. The members of the surrounding anchor community in the city of Xenia, Ohio will benefit from access to the Stokes Library on the Wilberforce University campus and its broadband and technology services.
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.