ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Access to reliable Internet coverage continues to be a hot topic and recently, the State of Kansas took some more action to help with just that.
Last Thursday, Gov. Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Office of Broadband Development will begin accepting applications Feb. 3, 2025, for funding from the National Telecommunications Information and Administration (NTIA) Digital Equity Capacity Grant program. There will be a total of $8.2 million available in funding, according to the State of Kansas release
“This State Digital Equity Capacity Grant will enable us to continue expanding internet access to all Kansans,” Gov. Kelly noted in the State of Kansas release. “Thanks to the Digital Equity Act, these funds will empower more Kansans to fully leverage the power of technology and thrive in the digitally connected economy. The program promotes partnerships to enhance digital opportunity efforts and expand workforce skills, education, and other resources.”
While applicants are encouraged to develop new and innovative strategies, the program targets projects in the following areas:
• Digital Skills: Develop programs to support understanding of digital tools and online resources, including addressing topics such as online safety, privacy, digital financial literacy, and establishing digital opportunity centers.
• E-Government and Civic Engagement: Create digital tools and resources to enable civic engagement, simplify access to services, and enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• Device Distribution Programs: Distribute devices with integrated digital literacy training and safeguards for effective usage and online safety.
• Economic Development: Support digital skills development, online job training, and enhancing workforce opportunities to empower covered populations and promote economic self-sufficiency while revitalizing rural communities.
• Online Access to Health and Mental Wellness Services: Expand access to online health care, digital mental health training, and adoption of digital health records to reduce disparities in underserved areas.
• Online Accessibility: Ensure websites, applications, and emergency communication systems are accessible for individuals with disabilities and reduce language barriers for essential services.
• Access to Affordable Broadband Service: Promote low-cost broadband programs through federal, state, and local initiatives.
“By addressing these gaps, we can better serve and support Kansans ready to seize new economic opportunities and make an impact on their communities,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland noted in the State of Kansas release. “This program will unlock the full potential for Kansans to engage in our workforce and have the digital tools they need for continued success.”
Applications will be open from Feb. 3 to April 3, 2025. Eligible entities encouraged to apply include community organizations, educational institutions, tribal nations, and local government agencies.
Interested applicants can sign up for the grant webinar at 10 a.m. Jan. 27 at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/d5vert6/lp/956c1755-2a9f-465f-a6da-416e5aef82a9.
To learn more about the efforts of the Kansas Office of Broadband Development, please https://www.kansascommerce.gov/officeofbroadbanddevelopment/
