SHEEO Member Webinar: State Digital Equity Plans

Date:

03/30/2023 to 03/30/2023

Location:

Online Webinar

Description:

Join us online from 3-4 p.m., Eastern

SHEEO will host an information webinar with officials from the U.S. Department of Education on opportunities for participation in State Digital Equity Plans, as part of the Digital Equity Act included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). Registration is closed.

In November 2021, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included the Digital Equity Act (DEA), a $2.75 billion program designed to ensure that all Americans have the skills and technology to fully participate in the digital economy and society. The DEA, administered by National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), includes three components:

  • State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program: A $60 million formula grant program for states, DC, territories, and Tribes to develop digital equity plans.
  • State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program: A $1.44 billion formula grant program for states, DC, territories, and Tribes distributed via annual grant programs over five years to support digital equity projects and the implementation of digital equity plans.
  • Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program: A $1.25 billion discretionary grant program for various eligible entities distributed via annual grant programs over five years to implement digital equity projects..

The State Digital Equity Planning Grant phase is currently underway in all 50 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. More information on the state planning process and requirement for state plans can be found at https://www.internetforall.gov/.

SHEEO agencies, which administer a range of activities related to adult education, workforce development, and other activities listed in the law, can play a key role in collaborating with state digital equity planners and public, private, and nonprofit entities to shape state digital equity plans and close the digital divide for those seeking educational opportunities. The U.S. Department of Education has put together a helpful resource with recommendations for developing effective digital equity plans and advancing technology-enabled learning. State higher education leaders can reach out to their state broadband offices or NTIA federal program officers to learn how they can ensure the needs, assets, and voices of this sector are included in their state digital equity plan.

The March 30 webinar will feature representatives from the U.S. Department of Education to discuss digital equity plans, intersections with higher education, and ways education leaders can get involved.

Questions? Contact John Lane at jlane@sheeo.org.