Implement the oregon digital equity plan developed pursuant to the state digital equity planning grant program

This $9,947,586.17 Project Grant award from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the State Digital Equity Planning and Capacity Grant Program (CFDA 11.032) will enable the Oregon Business Development Department to implement the Oregon Digital Equity Plan. Key activities include providing online safety and privacy training, conducting program evaluations and data collection, and delivering education and outreach to increase access to affordable broadband services and devices for underserved populations in Oregon. The project aims to improve online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources, especially for older adults, people with disabilities, and those with low literacy or limited English proficiency. As the awardee, the Oregon Business Development Department plans to subaward funds to implement the digital equity plan activities across the state.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to implement the oregon digital equity plan developed pursuant to the state digital equity planning grant program. Activities to the performed: the proposed project activities include: enable online safety and privacy training for covered populations, including cybersecurity training as part of digital skills training, to be conducted by selected partners; conduct regular program evaluations and collect data via in-person questionnaires, online program evaluations, and lived feedback; provide education, outreach, and communication to encourage adoption of low-cost service options and increase access to affordable computing devices and technical support for covered populations.

Expected outcomes

The proposed projects will result in: increased access to affordable broadband internet services and devices for all covered populations; increased online safety and privacy, especially for older adults; improved online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services for people with disabilities and people that have low levels of literacy and/or are english language learners.

Intended beneficiaries

Residents of the state of oregon and principally unserved and underserved covered populations statewide.

Subrecipient activities

The recipient does plan to subaward funds. The purpose is for implementing the DE plan activities.