BBG Tech: Biden-Harris Administration Opens Applications for $1 Billion Digital Inclusion Grant Program

By Aiden Satterfield

I just finished my internship in Washington with Senator Manchin during his final summer on Capitol Hill, and the federal government has taken a significant step toward addressing digital inequity across the nation. On July 24, 2024, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the availability of nearly $1 billion to fund programs that ensure all communities have access to devices and skills needed to participate in the digital world.

This initiative marks the first funding opportunity from the Digital Equity Act’s $1.25 billion Competitive Grant Program, a key part of President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative. This program is designed to bridge the digital divide and is a vital component of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.

“Thanks to President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Department of Commerce is making historic investments to ensure that every American has access to affordable high-speed internet as well as the tools and resources needed to be successful online,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “President Biden’s digital equity initiative will make the promise of the Internet a reality for everyone in our country, no matter their background. With additional access and expanded skillsets, more families will be able to thrive in our modern economy by getting an education, expanding their businesses, or staying connected to their communities online.”

The Competitive Grant Program empowers various organizations, including city and county governments, Native entities, nonprofits, community anchor institutions, local educational agencies, and workforce development organizations. U.S. Territories are eligible to apply for funding under a separate set-aside. NTIA encourages partnerships among these entities to administer significant resources and address wide-ranging populations.

“From veterans to aging Americans to historically underserved minorities, everyone in America deserves the skills and connected devices they need to thrive in this modern digital world,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communication and Information Alan Davidson. “Thanks to the Biden-Harris Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we’re now making a historic, billion-dollar investment to help our most unconnected populations succeed online.”

Applications are due by September 23, while U.S. territory applications are due by October 22. NTIA expects to begin making awards under this Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) by Winter of 2024, to issue awards on a rolling basis.

“Too many communities across the country are missing out on economic opportunity because they do not have ready access to the Internet. Today’s announcement will leverage the ingenuity of local leaders to tailor programs to local needs to achieve the President and Vice President’s goal of connecting every American to the benefits of affordable, high-speed Internet,” said National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard.

Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), who was instrumental in crafting the Digital Equity Act, emphasized the wide-ranging benefits of the grants. “With today’s announcement, everyone from local school districts and libraries to workforce training programs and Tribes will be able to compete for digital equity grants. These federal dollars will make a big difference—digital equity is about making sure seniors can navigate telehealth options, ensuring students have the resources they need to learn, helping entrepreneurs understand how best to connect their small business to an online audience, and so much more.”

“Access to an affordable and reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury, it is critical to succeeding in a connected world,” said Senator Angus King, the independent from Maine who is co-chair of the Senate Broadband Caucus. “This investment from the Digital Equity Act is going to be a game changer that will help power 21st-century life and our state’s economy while closing the digital divide.”

The Digital Equity Act, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. Since 2022, NTIA has awarded $60 million to states, D.C., and territories from the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program. In March 2024, NTIA made available over $800 million to states, D.C., territories, and Native entities to apply for funding from the $1.44 billion Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. This funding allows states and territories to begin implementation of their digital equity plans and supports native entities in creating digital equity projects.

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke praised the program, saying, “No one should be denied the opportunities the digital economy provides. Through the work of the Biden-Harris Administration and House Democrats in passing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we have made significant strides in bridging the digital divide and connecting communities across the nation.”

As the application deadline approaches, eligible organizations are encouraged to apply and take part in this historic effort to achieve digital equity. For more information on the application process and eligibility criteria, interested parties can visit the NTIA website or contact the Office of Public Affairs.

The launch of this funding opportunity signifies a critical step forward in ensuring digital inclusion for all Americans, promising to transform the digital landscape and provide equitable access to digital resources nationwide.

Aiden Satterfield is a cybersecurity student and athlete at Walsh University, and a native West Virginian.
For more information or to engage with BBG Tech contact: info@blackbygod.org. Let’s continue to inspire, inform, and foster an environment where diversity and innovation thrive in the tech industry.