1209C13057

Project Purpose: Through the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Building a Digital Pipeline to Prosperity Project, FAMU seeks to reduce the digital divide in the Southside of Tallahassee, FL and increase economic growth in Tallahassee. This will be achieved by allowing students and community members to access the internet using FAMU's high-speed broadband infrastructure. Additionally, FAMU will provide them with tools, technical assistance, knowledge, and information to enhance their skills and incomes.

Activities: Florida A&M University (FAMU) will implement the Building a Digital Pipeline to Prosperity Project through six key activities. FAMU will:

1) Purchase and install the hardware and software necessary to ensure secure, comprehensive coverage accessible at all times in every building and critical outdoor spaces on campus.

2) Create a technical assistance program to ensure all campus and community stakeholders receive the support they need to be successful users of high-speed internet and online content.

3) Upgrade and relaunch the Center for Public Computing and Workforce Development to increase the digital skills and economic opportunities for students and anchor community members.

4) Establish a pre-K to Ph.D. pipeline by creating age- and content-appropriate STEM- and digital-readiness curriculum for students at every grade level.

5) Train and graduate more students across disciplines who understand data science and how data applies to their field of study, decision-making, and life.

6) Conduct an evaluation of the grant to determine the effectiveness, efficiency, and short-term impact of the grant activities.

Outcomes: FAMU's plan of action will increase its technological capacity through broadband upgrades, create a rich virtual learning ecosystem populated by compelling instructional content, strengthen its talent pipeline through focused program interventions, and improve its effectiveness and efficiency through evaluation and planning. Ultimately, FAMU will be ready for any future public health crisis. The university will develop a STEM and digital skills talent pipeline that includes students at the pre-K, primary, secondary, and postsecondary education levels. It will also support workforce training and digital skills development among non-traditional adult learners. FAMU will offer hybrid learning models to students and the community, and promote regional economic development.

Beneficiaries: FAMU and its students, faculty, and staff, as well as the surrounding anchor community in Tallahassee, Florida, will benefit from this project. Users will be able to access the new robust and reliable FAMU broadband network anywhere on the main campus. End-users will be empowered because they have received quality technical support that has helped them navigate their way through device, software, or internet challenges. Student and community leaders will have the devices to execute life-changing projects and tasks. Community members and students will earn certifications that boost their skills and pay. Students will have access to high-quality remote instruction through entirely digitized distance learning programs. Young learners will acquire the digital and STEM skills needed to be competitive in a rapidly evolving digital world. Data-savvy college graduates will be able to apply their valuable knowledge and skills to any project. Overall, the campus will be better prepared for its technological future.

Subrecipient Activities (if applicable): The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.

Florida A&M University

TO PROVIDE FEDERAL FUNDING TO ELIGIBLE RECIPIENTS IN ANCHOR COMMUNITIES: FOR THE PURCHASE OF BROADBAND INTERNET ACCESS SERVICE OR ANY ELIGIBLE EQUIPMENT, OR TO HIRE AND TRAIN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY PERSONNEL; TO FACILITATE EDUCATIONAL INSTRUCTION AND LEARNING, INCLUDING THROUGH REMOTE INSTRUCTION; TO OPERATE A MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE (MBE); OR TO OPERATE A TAX-EXEMPT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION. TO DIRECTLY ADDRESS THE LACK OF BROADBAND ACCESS, CONNECTIVITY, ADOPTION AND EQUITY AT OUR NATION¿S HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (HBCUS), TRIBAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (TCUS), AND MINORITY-SERVING INSTITUTIONS (MSIS), AND IN THEIR SURROUNDING ANCHOR COMMUNITIES. TO FACILITATE EDUCATIONAL INSTRUCTION AND LEARNING, INCLUDING THROUGH REMOTE INSTRUCTION; AND TO CONSORTIA INCLUDING MBES OR TAX-EXEMPT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATIONS TO OPERATE THAT MBE OR TAX-EXEMPT 501(C)(3) ORGANIZATION. TO SPUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND CREATE OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY BUILDING THE DIGITAL CAPACITY OF THE ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS AND FURTHERING BROADBAND ACCESS, ADOPTION, AND DIGITAL SKILLS WITHIN THOSE INSTITUTIONS AND IN THEIR SURROUNDING ANCHOR COMMUNITIES.

11.028 - Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) [DOC]

Tallahassee, Florida 32307-3100 United States

Single Zip Code

Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program (NTIA-CMCPP-2021)

COVID-19 $5,395,671 (100%) percent of this Project Grant was funded by COVID-19 emergency acts including the CARES Act.
Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 02/28/25 to 02/28/26 and the total obligations have decreased 50% from $10,791,342 to $5,395,671.