Support efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion activities, and spur greater adoption and meaningful use of broadband among the covered populations pursuant to the digital…

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) awarded the Bristol Bay Native Association, Inc. (BBNA) a $8,842,763.71 project grant under the Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program (CFDA 11.036) to support digital equity, digital inclusion activities, and broadband adoption in Alaska. The grant funds workforce training for remote and virtual jobs, broadband infrastructure management training, cybersecurity upgrades for tribal offices, and the provision of rental computers and digital tools for libraries. These initiatives aim to address barriers to digital equity faced by covered populations, including Alaska Native communities, through capacity building, infrastructure improvement, and access to technology. The grant period runs from March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2030.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to support efforts to achieve digital equity, promote digital inclusion activities, and spur greater adoption and meaningful use of broadband among the covered populations pursuant to the digital equity competitive grant program.

Activities

The proposed project activities include: workforce training for remote and virtual jobs; training in broadband infrastructure management to enhance local expertise and job opportunities; upgrading cybersecurity measures for tribal offices to protect digital infrastructure and data; providing rentable computers and digital tools for libraries to provide continuous access to technology and learning resources.

Expected outcomes

The proposed projects will address barriers to digital equity faced by covered populations.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries are covered populations. The projects are expected to reach beneficiaries in alaska.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does plan to subaward funds to conduct the activities above.