Digital Equity

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.

The New York State Office for the Aging is giving older adults more options to connect with each another and the world by providing them with a variety of technologies — and the skills they need to use them.

Plus, Massachusetts has added three members to its digital accessibility board, a federal resource on digital literacy aims to support community needs, and more.

Plus, the USDA is providing $25 million for rural broadband; Pennsylvania offers $20 million worth of devices; Raleigh, N.C., gets a state grant; and more.

A Digital Champion grant will allow Haywood Community College in North Carolina to develop curriculum for local education sites and hire a full-time digital navigator to provide digital literacy skills for the community.

Artificial intelligence tools trained on non-representative data have the potential to exacerbate inequities in the education system, unless developers train better ones and educators are strategic about using them.