The Digital Connectivity Technology Program aims to increase access to technology devices where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use.
Donor Name: Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority
State: Pennsylvania
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/30/2025
Size of the Grant: More than $1 million
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Addressing the digital divide is key to ensuring equitable economic and social participation for all Pennsylvanians. Lack of access to technology has been a long-known barrier to education and employment opportunities, but the pandemic demonstrated that having a working internet enabled device is a household necessity. Devices such as laptops allow users to fully participate in work, school, and health monitoring activities.
Many individuals and groups of people across the Commonwealth lack the resources for device access, including low-income residents, seniors, and other covered populations. The Technology Program will support institutions equipped to distribute devices to members of the public through short or long-term device loan programs or to be made available for use in public facilities.
Funding Information
Pennsylvania received a total of $278,793,641 through the Capital Projects Fund (CPF), of which $20,000,000 is dedicated for this program.
Eligible Projects
- Eligible projects under this program will include the acquisition of digital connectivity technology that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. These devices will be available to be loaned to individuals for use in their home, or for use in public spaces. No fee or cost is permitted to be passed on from the grantee to the end user in association with devices. Ownership of the device must be maintained by the grantee.
- Devices available through the program will include laptops. The grant award will also include a four-year factory warranty, an accidental damage warranty, and shipping and handling.
Eligibility Criteria
- In accordance with the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund Guidance from U.S. Treasury, grants will be available to public-facing institutions such as libraries, community schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions located in areas where affordability has been identified by PBDA as a barrier to broadband adoption and use.
- Successful applicants will have the technical, managerial, and financial expertise to design and implement the grant program within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
For more information, visit PBDA.
