3709C13020

Project Purpose: Johnson C. Smith University's Inclusive Tech-Innovation Pilot endeavors to create a vibrant and connected community that leverages broadband to support economic growth and prosperity within the anchor communities. Through a committed cross-sector consortium of industry, academia, economic development, non-profit, and minority business organizations, this project will increase broadband connectivity, minority business enterprises, access to remote learning and work, digital and technical workforce, and economic mobility.

Activities: The primary goals for this project are to:
1) Increase the digital and technical workforce
2) Enhance digital inclusion and awareness
3) Enhance community connectivity and broadband adoption
4) Enhance remote learning and work by upgrading the university IT infrastructure
5) Enhance employment outcomes in the anchor community
6) Strengthen minority business enterprises

Project activities are comprised of bootcamps in analytics, community-based training by different partners and collaborators, university-based training, and implementation of technology platforms to support learning experiences. The project will provide laptops to students and patrons in the eligible census tracts, enabling remote learning, work, and telehealth participation. The project will upgrade the campus broadband infrastructure from a 3G to 5G network. The project will also provide working space in the Smith Tech-Innovation Center for minority businesses to operate, develop innovative business models, connect with potential customers/clients, and support business growth with local minority businesses.

Outcomes: The following outcomes are expected as a result of project implementation:
1) Distribution of devices to students and faculty
2) Distribution of devices to anchor community residents
3) Train people in advanced and high-demand tech skills/careers (e.g., UX design, certifications, data analytics)
4) Create a digital fellows/corps for minority business owners and entrepreneurs
5) Upgrade the campus broadband network

Beneficiaries: This project will benefit the students and faculty of Johnson C. Smith University directly with network upgrades and laptop distribution. This project will also support growth in the anchor community of Charlotte, North Carolina among residents, local businesses, and MBE's.

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

Johnson C. Smith 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]

Charlotte, North Carolina 28216-5302 United States

Single Zip Code

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

COVID-19 $5,720,896 (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 01/31/25 to 01/31/26.