Project purpose: the jarvis christian college connecting minority communities project hopes to close a digital divide among the college's students by upgrading the school's wireless infrastructure,…

Project purpose: the jarvis christian college connecting minority communities project hopes to close a digital divide among the college's students by upgrading the school's wireless infrastructure, providing access to personal devices and hotspots, and increasing the volume of courses and degrees available to hybrid and full online students for a more immersive, engaging learning experience. Activities: first, jarvis christian college will upgrade the broadband infrastructure to increase capacity and reduce lag on the network. The school will also purchase personal devices and WI-FI hotspots to ensure low-income students are able to access classwork, school sessions, and employment opportunities regardless of their proximity to the school. This will afford unlimited broadband access to students while, at the same time, improving security on the campus network. Lastly, the information technology team will purchase and install computer stations and collaboration technology into the texas workforce commission building on campus. In addition to in-kind support from the college a network specialist will be hired to support grant activities. Outcomes: jarvis christian college expects to see an increase in enrollment, degree completion, and employment opportunities accessed through the workforce building for both students and community members. The school intends to increase enrollment by offering more of its current degree programs as online-only or hybrid learning and improve the student academic experience for online and hybrid students by improving the method of delivery beyond the standard laptop forum. Additionally, JCC will have a more thoroughly trained and prepared staff to implement technology and security upgrades and assist the college with future planning and implementation efforts.beneficiaries: jarvis christian college's project will impact all students and staff on campus. With upgrades to their broadband infrastructure and distribution of personal devices and hotspots, students will have more access to classwork, school sessions and employment opportunities regardless of their proximity to the school. The information technology team will purchase and install computer stations and collaboration technology into the texas workforce commission building on campus which will be accessible to both students and the residents of the surrounding hawkins, TX anchor community. Subrecipient activities (if applicable): the texas workforce commission will aid in the on-campus workforce building improvements and the student/community member engagement.