BOSTON, Mass. – The Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) today debuted their Launchpad Program, a new initiative to expand Wi-Fi access, device distribution, digital literacy training, and internet adoption across Massachusetts.
The Program will provide financial support to organizations that are interested in addressing digital access gaps. This includes non-profits, community-based organizations, and municipalities. Funding will be prioritized for applications serving specific geographic regions of Barnstable, Bristol, and Worcester Counties, including Gateway Municipalities and rural communities, as well as serving vulnerable populations, including incarcerated/formerly incarcerated individuals, residents with language barriers, and veterans.
The Launchpad Program will build on the success of the six focus areas of the Digital Equity Partnerships Program, including connectivity for economic hardship (providing ‘hot spots’ to low-income/housing insecure individuals), device distribution and refurbishment, digital literacy, education, outreach and adoption support, public space internet modernization, and Wi-Fi access.
Selected applicants will have two years to implement their proposed projects. Proposals may not exceed a $1,000,000 budget. Only the most impactful proposals will be considered for awards at the maximum amount.
Along with the debut of the Launchpad Program, $1.44 million has been allocated to the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program and Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program, which will also be opening new rounds for cities and towns to apply for across the state. The Planning Program provides municipalities with free strategic planning to tackle internet affordability, digital literacy training, and device access, while the Implementation Program helps municipalities execute their digital equity plans with grants up to $100,000. $2 million in funding will be made available in total.
"The Launchpad Program will build upon our statewide effort to expand high-speed internet access so that we can continue to grow economic opportunity for businesses and residents alike," said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. "The Healey-Driscoll administration is paying particular attention to historically overlooked communities. When we connect these residents with sufficient resources, tools, and access, they will be able to fully participate in the digital economy."
“The Launchpad Program is focused on ensuring that we continue to build capacity at the local level and support and empower organizations that are on the ground providing essential services to vulnerable populations statewide,” said MBI Director Michael Baldino. “As we work to close the digital divide, we know that local and regional organizations understand the needs of the residents they serve and are well-positioned to implement projects that improve access to digital resources for vulnerable populations."
Funding for the Launchpad Program is provided through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)’s Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. Interested applicants must first submit a Concept Paper to MBI by April 25, 2025. Selected applicants will be notified by May 12 if they are invited to submit a full application. Full applications are due to MBI by July 16, 2025.
Municipalities interested in applying to the Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program or Municipal Digital Equity Implementation program are encouraged to submit an application by April 25, 2025.
For any questions, please contact broadband@masstech.org.
Massachusetts Broadband Institute at MassTech
A division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) is working to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, MBI uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high-speed internet access as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training.
Learn more at https://broadband.masstech.org.
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