What They're Saying: Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $175 Million in Internet for All Grants to 61 Minority-Serving Colleges and Universities

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Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator (AL) 
“Broadband expansion is crucial to stimulating economic growth and creating new opportunities in our rural areas. Through this grant, Stillman University is empowered with resources to lead broadband expansion efforts in West Alabama and I look forward to seeing the many positive advancements to come from these efforts.”

Dr. Cynthia Warrick, Stillman College President 
"Stillman College is honored to receive this important grant which will put our campus and community into the 21st century of advanced broadband infrastructure. Our students, faculty, staff and community partners will have access to rapid WiFi to ensure their connectivity to information that is vital for success in today's world.” 
   
Dr. Kevin Harris, Academic Technology Strategist, Stillman College                                                 
"Projects such as this are critical to closing many of the societal gaps that are amplified by inequalities of access to technology resources including broadband.”  

Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator (AL)

“Alabama State University is an important asset to the River Region, driving economic growth and educating Alabamians. This grant gives ASU an additional tool to continue providing unique, advanced opportunities to its students and the entire state.”
 

Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator (AL)

“As Alabama’s oldest private HBCU, Talladega College is a wonderful choice to lead broadband expansion efforts in East Alabama. I look forward to seeing how the college utilizes this grant to stimulate growth and opportunity for unserved and underserved populations in the region.”

Kenneth Boswell, Director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs

“In Alabama, we are making strides in our team effort to increase reliable broadband service in all areas of our state. These grants announced today from the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program to four of our state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities are certainly welcomed news. We are appreciative of the assistance of NTIA to improve broadband access and increase opportunities for students at these colleges and universities as well as in nearby communities.”

Tommy Tuberville, U.S. Senator (AL)

“From important advancements in agriculture to breaking down barriers for African Americans serving in the military, Tuskegee University has a record of driving historic progress that benefits our entire state and nation. I’m confident in the university’s leadership and ability to advance broadband expansion efforts in our state.”

Aumua Amata, U.S. Representative (AS)

“ASCC is of utmost importance to our youth as they continue their educations and seek out opportunities in life. Thank you to NTIA and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson for recognizing the integral role of ASCC here with this grant, especially in American Samoa where our young people have fewer higher education alternatives than any state in the U.S. Congratulations to ASCC President Dr. Rosevonne Makaiwi-Pato.” 

Lemanu Peleti Mauga, Governor (AS)

“I am very pleased to see that the National Telecommunications and Information Agency has selected our own American Samoa Community College for a substantial grant from its Connecting Minority Communities program. ASCC is our primary institution of higher learning in American Samoa and plays a critical role educating our students, preparing our workforce, and charting our future as a territory. I am confident that the NTIA has chosen an excellent partner with this grant.

A’oa’oga Aso Nei is a Samoan phrase translating to “education of today,” which is emblematic of the many technological and educational improvements this program will make for the college. As I have emphasized throughout my administration, it is essential that we leverage modern technologies to pivot and stabilize our economy, protect our population base, and to continue to guard and strengthen our unique Samoan culture. Through the deployment of additional computers, higher internet bandwidth, and new computing classes, and new information technology skills at the college, the A’oa’oga Aso Nei Initiative will be a great addition to our continuing efforts.”

Katie Hobbs, Governor (AZ) 

"I am thrilled that Phoenix College has been selected as a recipient of the Connecting Minority Communities grant. This funding will go a long way in helping Phoenix College provide better access to broadband internet and technology services for minority students, faculty, and staff. In today's digital age, access to reliable internet and technology is more important than ever, and this grant will help bridge the digital divide and provide equal opportunities for all students."

Jimmy Panetta, U.S. Representative (CA-19) 

“Cabrillo College plays a vital role in connecting the diverse communities of the Central Coast with new opportunities. This nearly $3 million federal investment in Cabrillo College will help expand broadband at this institution to further its mission of empowering students’ academic, personal, and career growth.  As someone who attended community college, I’ll continue my fight to support these institutions that provide so much support for us in California’s 19th Congressional District.”

Jared Polis, Governor (CO)

“We are continuing to make bold progress towards our goal to connect 99% of Coloradans with affordable, high-speed broadband and this new funding for Colorado State University-Pueblo builds upon this important work. Pueblo is a thriving Colorado city with vibrant business, education, and culture as well as home to our state fair, and we welcome this federal recognition and support of the great work happening in Pueblo every day. A reliable internet connection is critical for Coloradans, especially our students, and CSU Pueblo’s innovative program takes bold strides to make sure that students have internet access they can count on to power their studies and lives," said Gov. Polis.   

Ned Lamont, Governor (CT)  

“Access to fast, reliable internet service is not a luxury, it is a necessity. This is especially true for young people who want to do more with technology and are exploring computer science as a career. This $2.9 million grant will significantly assist UConn in its efforts to expand access to computer science education and broadband access to students in the Hartford area. It has been a major priority for our administration to expand educational opportunities and broadband access in Connecticut, and I appreciate the Biden administration and the NTIA for partnering with our state on this important initiative.” 
 

Jon Ossoff, U.S. Senator (GA)  

“Senator Warnock and I will continue delivering for Georgia’s HBCUs and to strengthen Georgia’s health care workforce. Every family in Georgia deserves great health care.”

Raphael Warnock, U.S Senator (GA) 

“Having access to the internet is essential in the 21st century. I was proud to secure this critical funding that will help provide reliable broadband access to students at Fort Valley State University and those in the surrounding community. Georgia’s students are the next generation of leaders and innovators, and to better invest in our future, we must invest in their education today. I’m going to keep fighting to strengthen broadband access for students in every corner of the state.”
 

Tammy Duckworth, U.S Senator (IL) 

Thank you to NTIA for awarding Southern University, SUNO, and Grambling these grants from the Connected Minority Community program. This funding will aid these world-class HBCUs in their work to eliminate the digital divide on their campuses and in their communities. We know that expanding access to broadband improves educational outcomes, grows our economy, and increases access to crucial health care services.

J.B Pritzker, Governor (IL)

In today’s world, colleges and universities cannot compete for students and opportunities without a strong background in technology and a broadband system that can keep up with the demands of modern classes,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m grateful to NTIA for helping CSU meet this standard and for recognizing and amplifying the value they bring to the South Side and the students they serve.

Troy Carter, U.S. Representative (LA-02)

I’m happy to announce that Southern University has been granted $3 million to expand broadband internet access, connectivity, and digital inclusion. Internet is NOT a luxury; it is a necessity! I am excited that this funding will bring new opportunities to communities previously left in the dark.

John Bel Edwards, Governor (LA) 

Thank you to NTIA for awarding Southern University, SUNO, and Grambling these grants from the Connected Minority Community program. This funding will aid these world-class HBCUs in their work to eliminate the digital divide on their campuses and in their communities. We know that expanding access to broadband improves educational outcomes, grows our economy, and increases access to crucial health care services. 

Wes Moore, Governor (MD)  

“I’m incredibly thankful that Maryland has benefited from The National Telecommunications and Information Administration Internet for All Initiative,” said Governor Wes Moore. “The awards to Coppin State University and to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to expand broadband access will greatly benefit these universities and the communities they reside in. Our administration has made broadband access in Maryland a priority with the The Broadband Expansion Incentive Act and this investment will work hand in hand with the proposals we’ve made.” 

Ed Markey, U.S. Senator (MA)   

 “I applaud the National Telecommunications and Information Administration for awarding a $2 million grant from the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program to the University of Massachusetts so that low-income students of color can have the power of high-speed internet at their fingertips,” said Senator Edward J. Markey. “The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program empowers our students to develop the digital skills necessary for success inside and outside the classroom. As students learn to navigate today’s digital age, where remote learning is at the forefront of university and college campuses, I will continue to fight for equitable and reliable broadband internet service that moves us closer towards ending the homework gap once and for all.” 

Maura Healey, Governor (MA) 

“UMass-Boston serves one of the most diverse student bodies in our state, and it’s essential that their students, educators and staff have access to the connected devices and digital training they need to reach their full potential. We’re grateful to the U.S. Department of Commerce, NTIA and our Congressional delegation for prioritizing digital equity at our public universities through the Connecting Minority Communities program.” 
 

Garlin Gilchrist II, Lt. Governor (MI)  

“Affordable high speed internet is the key to unlock access to education, economic opportunity, healthcare, and more for Michiganders,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This critical $2.9 million grant will help Wayne County Community College District carry forward their mission to educate and empower Michiganders from every corner of Wayne County. Governor Whitmer and I are proud of the progress we have made connecting more than 23,000 unserved locations to high-speed internet, and we will work with anyone to build a Michigan where everyone is connected.” 

Allie Herkenroder, Digital Equity Director, Michigan High-speed Internet Office 

“It is unacceptable that in 2023 nearly a third of Michigan households struggle with some form of the digital divide. We know that the digital divide discriminates, especially within communities of color. This award of nearly $3 million to Wayne County Community College District is a positive step toward closing the digital divide in communities of color and in Michigan, once and for all.” 

Jacky Rosen, U.S. Senator (NV)   

“High-speed internet is an essential part of life for families and students in Nevada, but technological disparities limit access to critical digital tools for many students,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m glad to see the College of Southern Nevada will receive nearly $2.5 million to help increase access to high-speed internet for students and the surrounding community."

Dina Titus, U.S. Representative (NV-01)  

“When it comes to virtual learning and broadband capacity, all our students deserve access to the latest technology,” said Rep. Titus. “I’m glad that this grant will provide every College of Southern Nevada student with both broadband service and a connective device to ensure digital literacy. Financial status should never be a barrier to a quality education.” 

Phil Murphy, Governor (NJ)

“As has proven particularly important over the past several years, providing equitable access to the internet and technological equipment is crucial to ensuring the success of our students,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The grants announced today for Rutgers University in Newark and Felician University will ensure greater access to these resources on behalf of countless students from disadvantaged backgrounds. I thank the National Telecommunications & Information Administration for awarding these grants to two New Jersey institutions and supporting our State’s ongoing efforts to ensure equity in higher education.” 

Teresa Leger Fernández , U.S. Representative (NM-03) 

“HBCUs, Tribal Colleges and Universities, and other Minority Serving Institutions do critical work,” said Rep. Leger Fernández. “I’m grateful that Eastern New Mexico University Roswell will receive this grant.  As a member of the Rural Broadband Caucus, I work to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet.  This grant and other programs I support in Congress make critical investments in our gente and train New Mexicans for good-paying jobs.” 

Kathy Hochul, Governor (NY)

"In today’s economy, access to reliable high-speed internet is essential. This investment will help to ensure that students at Dominican University, particularly those from low-income or underserved communities, have better access to technology, internet, and support services through broadband. I am grateful to our federal officials for their help in equipping our young people with the digital tools they need to succeed and for their partnership in our shared mission to expand digital equity in New York."

Sr. Mary Eileen O’Brien, O.P., Ph.D., Dominican University President

“We are so grateful to have secured this grant to provide our campus community with improved technology, increased broadband access, and additional IT training and support. The technological improvements will greatly enhance the educational experience of our students.”

Roy Cooper, Governor (NC) 

"Closing the digital divide and providing high-speed internet is critical for students to learn, work, and connect with telemedicine as well as each other. We'll continue working with the Biden-Harris Administration to connect our state's outstanding Historically Black Colleges and Universities as they prepare students to take on the jobs of today and tomorrow.”

Dr. Mondrail Myrick, Director of Information Technology at Bennett College 

This project will improve campus-community relations, increase the college’s capacity to deliver quality instruction and provide additional accelerated programs to increase entrepreneurial pathways for students and the community.

Clarence D Armbrister, President 

“Johnson C. Smith University is honored to receive this $5.7 million investment from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration,” said President Clarence D. Armbrister. “This funding will allow us to make needed upgrades to our on-campus technology, addressing the goals for improving our infrastructure, which is outlined in our five-year strategic plan, the Gold(en) Blueprint. JCSU relishes any opportunity it is given to be a beacon of light to our neighbors, and we are excited to upgrade our network from 3G to 5G, which will improve connectivity for our community in the Historic West End of Charlotte. With these technological updates, more residents in our neighborhood will be connected to internet resources, which can aid in job searches and telehealth opportunities.” 

Dr. Steve Turner, President of Northeastern State University.  

"Northeastern State University is proud to receive the Connecting Minority Communities pilot program grant. Closing the digital divide among our students is key to the educational success of all who we serve." 

Bob Casey, U.S. Senator (PA)

For too long, underserved communities have lacked the resources they need to get connected and compete in our increasingly digital world. Investing in high-speed internet and other technology services at the Community College of Philadelphia will help students and families in their studies and make it easier for community members to access workforce development courses. This funding will expand access to internet services and equipment, develop wireless infrastructure, and spur job training in the Pennsylvania communities that need it most.

Dr. Khalid N. Mumin, Pennsylvania Acting Secretary of Education

“For learners to thrive in 2023, it is critical they have the materials and resources needed to grow both in and out of the classroom. This grant program will ensure the students attending Community College of Philadelphia will retain uninterrupted access to key educational services. Pennsylvania thanks the National Telecommunications & Information Administration for its efforts to keep our learners connected.”
 

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict. 

“The coronavirus exacerbated digital inequities and revealed significant challenges in the African American community in particular. In 2020, we saw firsthand how the lack of broadband access affected our students, faculty, staff, and community. Our goal is to narrow the digital divide for low-income students at Benedict College and those adults and students surrounding the campus.” 

Dr. Forrest E. Harris, Sr., President

“The late U.S. Congressman John Lewis would be proud that his alma mater, American Baptist College, will be on the front line of justice, working to close the digital divide through the NTIA Connecting Minority Communities funding project. The largest single grant in the College's 98-year history, closing the digital gap is a matter of access and equity for underserved communities in a digital desert.

For communities within a fifteen-mile radius of the campus, American Baptist College will become a Technological Hub broadening connectivity and possibilities for students and families experiencing digital poverty. As an HBCU, the resource of this grant allows us to bring together connectivity, education and technology, creating broadband internet access for online education, health care information, and economic opportunities. The College will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024. This grant will help advance our College’s mission to educate students about social justice, equity, advocacy, and leadership in the communities they serve.”
 

Abel A. Chávez, MBA, PhD, OLLU President

“Investments in digital infrastructure are life-changing for our students and our West Side San Antonio community. The 78207 zip code, where Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) sits, has the city’s lowest access to computers and broadband. This grant will help bridge that gap.” 

Vanessa Garza Clark, PhD, Project Director

“We are very excited to be recipients of this grant. It will allow OLLU to provide a state-of-the-art remote experience for students, faculty, and staff; and will allow us to leverage resources to further connect with our community.”
 

Dr. Michael J. Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College 

“It is impossible to overstate the importance of this grant. Both Paul Quinn and the community that we serve are appreciative of the federal government recognizing our value, our capacity and our promise.” 

Dr. David Hall, University of the Virgin Islands President

“As the only HBCU located outside of the mainland U.S., connecting our community with the world is vital to achieving our operational and educational mission. This award will address one of our most compelling priorities. I applaud our Vice President of Information Services & Institutional Assessment, Sharlene Harris, for her innovative spirit which has led our university to this significant accomplishment.”
 

U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine (VA) 

“High-speed internet is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s a need-to-have, particularly at our institutions of higher ed. This funding for Norfolk State, Virginia State, and Virginia Union represents strong steps towards closing the digital divide, developing a tech savvy workforce, and improving connectivity at three of Virginia’s HBCUs and in their surrounding communities.”

Javaune Adams-Gaston Ph.D, Norfolk State University President  

“At Norfolk State University, we see the future in our students and in our communities. The support provided by NTIA to connect with our minority communities allows us to resolve the broadband/digital inclusion challenge. We look forward to a future that is more inclusive, where everyone is prepared to take their future into their own hands because they will have access and opportunity. This project is another example of NSU’s commitment to transforming the lives of our student population as they become 21st century leaders.”

Dr. Aurelia Taylor Williams, Vice Provost and Principal Investigator 

“Leveraging the expertise of minority business entities (MBEs), this joint public-private, corporate, and non-profit, academia, industry and government partnership will be the beginning of expanding broadband to establish a Smart Campus within a Smart Community that leads to a Smart City. NSU's vision for achieving future-ready Smart Campus Infrastructure will support intelligent campus operations, technology-empowered anchor communities, and student-driven innovation. We expect our solution to reshape how students’ study, learn, and interact with the University and the community.”
 

Patty Murray, U.S. Senator (WA) 

“Ensuring all of our students have access to reliable internet, the devices they need to get connected, and the skills they need to succeed online will make an important difference for so many UW Tacoma students and the community. Washington state can expect to see a whole lot more federal funding to support these kinds of initiatives thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and my Digital Equity Act. When we invest in digital inclusion we’re investing in more opportunity for everyone.”

Jay Inslee, Governor (WA)

“Digital equity projects spearheaded by Minority-Serving Institutions serve an important purpose in bridging access gaps to technology and educational opportunities. My state has an aggressive goal to connect all Washingtonians to quality and affordable broadband service by 2028. Federal funding opportunities like this one will make it easier for students and individuals to receive digital devices and connection to high-speed internet. I thank the National Telecommunications & Information Administration for awarding a Connecting Minority Communities grant to the University of Washington.”