3709C13084

Project Purpose: Fayetteville State University (FSU)'s Expand Deployment of Pivotal Technologies (EDOPT) project aims to improve broadband utilization, remote learning, STEM learning outcomes, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity capabilities for students and small businesses in the surrounding anchor communities.

Activities:
FSU will implement the following activities:

1) FSU will distribute laptops to students in financial need and who lack access to computers. Priority would be placed on remote learners.

2) FSU will recruit, hire, and train FSU student interns to serve as community navigators.

3) FSU will assist entrepreneurs and small businesses in its anchor communities to launch or enhance online presence in a cybersecure manner.

4) FSU will provide shared broadband resources and applications in the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Hub adjacent to the FSU campus.

5) FSU will pilot virtual reality-based instructional simulations in selected biology and nursing classes.

6) FSU will create an entrepreneurship lab within its College of Business and Economics to enable students to work remotely with businesses and entrepreneurs.

Outcomes:
Outcomes of the EDOPT project include:

1) An increase in the number of students who are able to enroll and learn through remote instruction.

2) An increase in the number of students with cybersecurity skills.

3) Improved online presence and cybersecurity for small businesses in FSU's anchor communities.

4) Establishment of shared broadband resources for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

5) Testing of emerging virtual reality systems to improve instruction in selected science classes.

6) An increase in student digital literacy and project-based learning through remote student team interaction with businesses.

Beneficiaries:
In-need students will receive access to laptops, broadband resources, and digital skills training. FSU students will have opportunities to gain workforce skills through internships and utilize innovative VR-based instruction. Anchor community entrepreneurs and small businesses will benefit from broadband resources, technical assistance, and cybersecurity resources.

Subrecipient Activities (if applicable):
The Mary S. Peake Fellowship 501(c)(3) is a subrecipient for this project and will:

1) Assist in student selection for anchor community navigator role.

2) Provide methodology, systems, and consultative guidance for students to provide cybersecurity assessments for anchor community MBEs.

3) Document certifications of the student navigators.

4) Quantify MBEs progress on the NIST 110+ guidelines.

5) Quantify the extent to which recommendations are implemented.

6) Quantify estimated impacts on MBEs revenue growth and job growth.

7) Conduct monthly webinars and regular reporting of metrics.

Fayetteville State 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]

Fayetteville, North Carolina 28301-4252 United States

Single Zip Code

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

COVID-19 $4,933,021 (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.