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

This $5,299,150.18 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 State of Vermont Public Service Department to implement Vermont's Digital Equity Plan. Key activities include:

• Creating a community-based digital skilling and technical support program to improve digital literacy for Vermont residents, especially unserved and underserved populations.
• Establishing a capacity building subgrant program to invest in local organizations serving covered populations.
• Implementing a regional device program to support access to appropriate devices.
• Expanding workforce development programming to include digital literacy training.

The project aims to increase digital inclusion, create at least 200 broadband deployment jobs for Vermonters, and ensure reliable connectivity for remote work and access to essential services, particularly healthcare and social services. Funding will be managed by the Vermont Office of the State Treasurer, the parent entity of the Public Service Department, which has extensive experience overseeing federal grants for digital equity, infrastructure, and community development initiatives.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to implement the vermont digital equity plan developed pursuant to the state digital equity planning grant program.

Activities

Proposed project activities will include creation of a community-based digital skilling and technical support program with multiple parts to meet the needs of vermonters; a capacity building subgrant program to invest in local organizations that represent and serve covered populations; a regional device program supporting access to appropriate devices; workforce development expansion to expand current efforts through workforce development programming to include digital literacy with contractor support.

Expected outcomes

The proposed projects will result in improvement in digital literacy; at least 200 jobs created with vermonters being employed within the state in broadband deployment; reliable connectivity allowing vermonters the ability to work remotely even living in rural or remote areas and connection to essential services, especially those in need of healthcare and social services.

Intended beneficiaries

Residents of the state of vermont 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.