Digital Equity

The third annual report on education technology trends from the State Educational Technology Directors Association shows funding worries on the rise and few states planning for the fair, sustainable use of ed-tech tools.

Partnering is a critical piece of the California city’s strategy for digital transformation, informing its approach to digital equity and civic technology projects. A new digital inclusion plan builds on this approach.

Plus, New Mexico has awarded $40 million in grants for broadband, libraries in a North Carolina county are expanding access to Internet-enabled devices and assistive technology, and more.

Plus, a settlement will enable access to affordable Internet in New York, Indigenous libraries are getting funding for digital inclusion, and more.

Millersville University will use a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to teach computer skills and hold job-searching workshops, among other initiatives, in Columbia.

Plus, Louisiana launched a $1.3 billion grant program, the city of Orlando is seeking a person or company to lead digital literacy training, and more.

Plus, a K-12 digital equity framework gets released, Kentucky launches a new broadband portal, two additional states get their BEAD funding proposals approved, and more.

Plus, take a look at a visual of which states have had their BEAD proposals approved, find out about the Fiber Broadband Association’s new program for states and more.

The labels, required by the Federal Communications Commission, are intended to make monthly costs, subscription terms and network speeds clearer. Advocates and opponents continue to debate their existence.

Plus, a broadband report card ranks ARPA-funded projects, more states see their initial proposals for BEAD funding approved, $2.7 million will support libraries’ digital literacy programming, and more.

The application window for the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program opened last week, including funds for schools and other public agencies to spend on promoting digital equity among underserved groups.

Digital Equity Program Manager Lauren Thompson on building a people-centered program, maximizing federal funding and making sure residents have the tools they need to get online in Connecticut.

Plus, the FCC has launched a new mobile speed test app, HUD’s ConnectHomeUSA program has expanded to new communities, more states have seen their initial proposals for BEAD program funding accepted, and more.

The Federal Communications Commission voted July 18 to allow funding for Wi-Fi hot spots under the E-rate program. Schools can loan these hot spots to students who lack Internet access at home.

Plus, the FCC is taking steps to update broadband data collection, more states have had their initial proposals for BEAD funding approved, Oakland got a grant to expand broadband infrastructure, and more.

From abolishing the U.S. Department of Education to cutting Title I funding and certifying teachers based on ideology, a controversial proposal from a conservative think tank would upend public education nationwide.

Plus, initial proposals for BEAD program funding have been approved in two more states, findings from a new report emphasize the role libraries play in bridging the digital divide, and more.

The list of potential uses for any leftover BEAD funding includes digital equity, and one state has a plan that would direct the money toward the work for years to come.