The INSIDER - Fall 2023

CLOSING THE GAP THROUGH ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY

Texas College has been awarded a $2 million Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Grant, also referred to as the Communities Connected Project, from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), in partnership with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) initiative Internet for All. The significance of the program garners a major impact not only on the Texas College campus, but throughout the broader community as well. As the technological landscape continues to rapidly evolve and engrain itself into everyday life, there are still many technologically

Texas College students utilize their portable second screen for their laptops, provided by the CMC grant, while engaged in technology training.

underserved populations, especially in terms of internet access and technology literacy. Due to a variety factors, such as broadband internet infrastructure limitations in certain locations, cost of service, and lack of skills or knowledge to use it, individuals forego internet access and mainstream tech devices, despite their increasing value as essential utilities in the modern era. Congruently, these "tech savvy" traits and internet access are also vital components necessary to equip students for the modern world of work. This grant, which spans over a two - year period, will directly address the aforementioned concerns and make an indelible mark by providing internet at broadband speeds, as well as useful equipment, to underserved communities and to Texas College students. The foundation of Texas College's Communities Connected Project is to strengthen access to the bandwidth needed by the College and its students, as well as the surrounding community, so that Texas College may successfully convert the potential liability of technological stagnation into a formidable asset. Texas College's fulfillment of the aforementioned is already underway. Faculty in the disciplines of education, science, technology, social science, and social work, as well as administrative staff, have assumed a pivotal role by providing training to the campus community and beyond. With outreach to residential areas of Tyler, as well as throughout Smith County, Texas College has been able to host a variety of workshops for a multitude of populations, inclusive of:

· The C.M.E. Leadership Institute; · Summer Transition Enrichment Program (STEP) students; · Leadership Auxiliaries; · Texas College faculty and staff; and · Multiple community groups.

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