Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Commission for Educational Technology, an office within the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), is being awarded more than $9 million in federal funding to launch key initiatives outlined in the state’s digital equity plan, “Connecticut: Everyone Connected.” The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) through its Digital Equity Program, which is part of the White House’s Internet for All initiative authorized through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Connecticut’s digital equity plan was produced following more than a year of outreach and research to identify the barriers preventing residents from getting online, equipped with a device, and supported with the training and technical assistance they need to thrive in today’s digital world. The plan aims to close the digital divide, particularly among the most disenfranchised groups in the state, including residents at or below 150% 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.
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: Covering the entire state, six new collaboratives will provide the resources and professional network for educators, policymakers, and community organizations to learn and share best practices that scale and improve 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.
“This award comes at a perfect time to further the important steps Connecticut has already taken to close the digital divide,” Governor 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.”
“We are leading efforts to ensure a ‘digital-first’ approach to delivering state 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.”
“For the first time, every state in the nation has a digital equity plan in place to promote widespread adoption of high-speed Internet services,” Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson said. “Connecticut now can request access to the funds to put its digital equity plan into action. The Biden-Harris administration’s Internet for All initiative will ensure everyone can thrive online through access to devices and digital skills.”
“We are thrilled with this announcement, welcoming this ‘down payment’ on longer-term investments to fast-track the training and support programs that our residents need,” Connecticut Chief Information Officers and DAS Deputy Commissioner Mark Raymond said.
“These funds will help implement the state’s digital equity plan,” Doug Casey, executive director of the Commission for Educational Technology, said. “We look forward to working with our agency and community partners to scale up training and establish regional centers of excellence in digital inclusion.”
“We are so excited to make our plan a reality, a real investment in our residents,” Lauren Thompson, digital equity program manager for the 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.”
