What’s Next for Digital Equity? Preparing for the Competitive Grant Program
By: Angela Thi Bennett and Maya C. James
Digital Equity Act Programs
Overview
Too many communities lack access to high-speed internet. Many more can't afford it or don't know how to use it. The divide between those who have internet access and those who don't is stark. To create an equitable economy, we all need access to reliable and affordable high-speed internet.
The Digital Equity Act provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. They aim to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy.
State Digital Equity Planning Grant
A $60M formula grant program for states, territories and tribal governments to develop digital equity plans.
Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program
A $1.44 billion formula grant program for states, territories, and tribal governments.
Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program
A $1.25 billion grant program. It will fund annual grant programs for five years to implement digital equity projects.
State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program: Native Entities
$45,300,000 grant program funding available to Native Entities.
NTIA’s Digital Equity Celebration Event in Collaboration with the Office of Mayor Ed Gainey
This digital equity celebration will bring together community members, organizations, and elected officials to highlight Pittsburgh’s digital equity milestones and collective efforts to improve digital opportunities for communities statewide. Here are the details:
Who: Residents, community leaders, elected officials, industry partners, NTIA leadership, and others
When: Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM EST
Where: Ammon Community Recreation Center, 2217 Bedford Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219
Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program Webinar
NTIA will discuss the next stage in the Digital Equity Act grant programs and how states, local governments, tribal entities, and other stakeholders can reduce barriers to digital equity in their communities. Speakers will discuss what resources are available to them and how we can ensure Internet for All.
Celebrating AANHPI Heritage Month: A Q+A with Angela Thi Bennett
This month, NTIA celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month with the theme “Bridging Histories, Shaping Our Future.” We close out this month by chatting with Angela Thi Bennett, NTIA’s first-ever Director of Digital Equity.
Building Digital Programming to Support Second Chances
This April, the Biden-Harris Administration recognizes Second Chance Month as an opportunity to ensure that people returning to their communities from jail or prison have a fair shot at the American Dream.
NTIA’s Commitment to State and Territory Local Coordination
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Digital Equity Webinar Series: The Impact of High-Speed Internet Access on Incarcerated and Justice-Impacted Individuals
Accessing high-speed Internet in correctional settings can serve as a conduit for incarcerated individuals to receive vocational and technology training programs and set them on a path to success. This webinar will highlight state and local examples of how leaders in this space are creating economic development opportunities for justice-impacted individuals and how they are defining their digital equity baselines, indicators, and goals as well as tools they use to measure success.
Building Your Digital Equity Capacity
NTIA will be discussing the next stage in the Digital Equity Act grant programs and how states, local governments, tribal entities, and other stakeholders can reduce barriers to digital equity in their communities. Speakers will discuss what resources are available to them and how we can ensure Internet for All.
If you would like to request an accommodation to participate in this webinar, please email your request to [email protected]. A NTIA staff member will follow up with you shortly regarding your request.