MEMBER ADVISORY

January 9, 2023

NTIA's Internet For All Webinar Series: How Minority Serving Institutions Can Help Shape State Broadband and Digital Equity Plans and Initiatives

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI) is hosting a webinar on January 19 at 11 a.m. ET, for Minority-Serving Institutions to learn how to be involved in NTIA initiatives to further broadband access and digital equity in your communities. 

OMBI works with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), and their educational and community partners to promote broadband connectivity, digital opportunities, and inclusive innovation in historically underrepresented and marginalized communities.

This webinar will provide an overview of two funding opportunities: 

Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program - Provides $42.45 billion to expand high-speed internet access by funding planning, infrastructure deployment and adoption programs in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Digital Equity (DE) Programs - Provides $2.75 billion to establish three grant programs that promote digital equity and inclusion. They aim to ensure that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacity needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy.

Speakers will include: 
• Kevin Hughes, Acting Director, Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives, NTIA 
• Evan Feinman, Director of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment BEAD Program, NTIA 
• Michell Morton, Digital Equity Advisor, Internet for All, NTIA

The OMBI will provide guidance on how you and your stakeholders can become involved in these initiatives and directly participate in state, local and regional planning efforts around broadband and digital equity. Use this link to register.

HACU Member Advisories are a service of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)