FRANKFORT, Ky. — On Friday, Kentucky was approved to receive more than $12 million in federal funds to implement its "Digital Equity Plan."
The funding comes from the $1.44 billion State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program and is part of the “Internet for All” initiative, a key component of President Joe Biden’s “Investing in America” agenda.
There are several reasons many Americans struggle to use internet connection available to them; including, not knowing how to navigate online resources, lack of knowledge about how to protect personal and financial information online, and not being able to afford a computer or tablet at home.
“High-speed internet is critical for our families and companies, which is why this federal grant award of more than $12 million is going to help make sure our people not only have access to the internet but the training to use it constructively,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Thanks to the U.S. Department of Commerce and National Telecommunications and Information Administration for this generous award.”
Kentucky will use this funding to implement its digital equity plan, which aims to give individuals what they need to benefit from meaningful access to affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service.
Kentucky will use the $12,123,531 in funding to implement key digital equity initiatives, including:
- Digital Literacy and Skills Advancement: Digital navigator programs and digital citizenship
- Affordable Device and Refurbishing Program: Creating a pipeline that will support providing affordable devices and sustainably handle device refurbishment
This approval is from the first funding round of the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which made available more than $800 million for states to apply for grants to implement their digital equity plans.
Additional funding opportunities will be available in the future, according to federal officials.
