The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has awarded Connecticut more than $9 million in Federal funding to implement the state’s Connecticut: Everyone Connected digital equity plan.
“This award comes at a perfect time to further the important steps Connecticut has already taken to close the digital divide,” Gov. Ned Lamont said. “We are grateful for this investment to help ensure that all residents have the connections, computers, skills, and support to thrive in today’s digital world.”
The funding comes from NTIA’s Digital Equity Program, which is part of the White House’s Internet for All initiative authorized through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The state’s digital equity plan was developed after more than a year of community outreach and research to identify the barriers preventing residents from getting online, obtaining devices, and receiving the needed training and technical support.
The plan aims to close the digital divide, particularly among the most disenfranchised groups in the state, including residents at or below 150 percent of the poverty line, racial and ethnic minorities, the aging, those incarcerated in or in transition out of state correctional facilities, individuals with disabilities or language barriers, those living in rural areas, and veterans.
“We are leading efforts to ensure a ‘digital-first’ approach to delivering state services,” Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “This initial round of funding will help our neighbors take advantage of programs and benefits across dozens of state agencies.”
The first wave of initiatives funded through the federal Digital Equity Program will support critical projects, including through:
- Digital navigation pilots: Local partners will receive support to work directly with residents to address skill gaps and lack of access to Internet connections and computers.
- Digital equity collaboratives: Six new collaboratives spread across the state will provide the resources and professional network for educators, policymakers, and community organizations to learn and share best practices that strengthen efforts to connect and train residents.
- Digital equity curriculum: Through the collaboratives, the state will release a set of common assessments and teaching resources freely available to adult education and other local training programs to help meet residents where they are to close the digital skills gap in Connecticut.
- Asset map: Residents will be able to conduct online searches and call a telephone hotline to find and use the community-based programs and resources to help them get online and develop the technical skills necessary to thrive in the digital world.
“We are so excited to make our plan a reality, a real investment in our residents,” Lauren Thompson, digital equity program manager for the state’s Commission for Educational Technology, said. “The tools and programs we have planned will soon make it possible for residents everywhere to find the support they need. Our work will open opportunities for everyone in Connecticut.”
