The Digital Connectivity Technology Program provides laptops to libraries, non-profits, and community institutions across the Commonwealth.
PBDA will also partner with L&I and PA CareerLink® to offer no-cost online job skills training.
Harrisburg, PA – Today, Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson announced the PBDA Board of Directors’ approval of 117 applications through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program for the distribution of 9,122 laptops to community institutions across 42 Pennsylvania counties for use by residents who do not have access to digital technology. The community institutions approved for laptops today include the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, Inc. in Berks County, the J. Herman Bosler Memorial Library in Cumberland County, and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh in Allegheny County.
Governor Josh Shapiro and his Administration are committed to connecting all Pennsylvanians to reliable, affordable, high-speed internet. The Digital Connectivity Technology Program is helping to ensure that Pennsylvania’s communities can access high-speed internet on reliable internet enabled devices so they can enjoy education, career advancement, and telemedicine benefits.
“The community organizations receiving these devices will help ensure that individuals needing to use a laptop to access high-speed, reliable internet will have that important access.” said Executive Director Carson. “Each organization has outlined a clear and effective plan to make these laptops available to individuals in their communities so they have better health, education, and economic outcomes.”
Through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program, laptops will be distributed to public-facing institutions such as libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions in areas where affordability is a barrier. A second round of laptop applications through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program will open in 2025.
The full list of approvals can be found on the PBDA website and includes:
- Allegheny County – 200 laptops to the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
- Berks County – 100 laptops to the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, Inc.
- Cumberland County – 30 laptops to the J. Herman Bosler Memorial Library
- Lycoming County – 40 laptops to the Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Mercer County – 64 laptops to the Hope Center for Arts and Technology, Inc.
- Philadelphia County – 200 laptops to Beyond Literacy
The PBDA will also partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and PA CareerLink® to introduce program participants to SkillUp™ PA, which offers no-cost online job skills training to the public.
“All Pennsylvanians deserve access to reliable, high-speed internet and a chance to compete for a good-paying job,” said Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy Walker. “By providing Pennsylvania workers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in today’s workforce, we not only strengthen our communities, but are one step closer to closing the digital divide in Pennsylvania.”
SkillUp™ PA is an online training platform that offers a variety of courses, including Computer, Digital Skills, Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, IT, and other business courses. Participants can also pursue industry-recognized credentials in areas such as CompTIA, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Human Resources, and Microsoft Office Specialist.
Last June, the PBDA opened the first application period for the Digital Connectivity Technology Program using federal funds secured through the American Rescue Plan Capital Projects Funding.
“Ensuring Americans have access to reliable, high-speed internet is crucial to helping them get ahead,” said U.S. Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo. “This investment will expand internet access for families in Pennsylvania and ensure they have access to critical work, education, and health care services.”
In addition to funding for the Digital Connectivity Technology Program, the Commonwealth also received:
- $1.16 billion in federal funding to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas to make sure every Pennsylvanian has access to affordable, high-speed internet. The funding is coming to Pennsylvania through the federal BEAD Program.
- $204 million in funding through the Broadband Infrastructure Program to connect unserved and underserved areas.
- $45 million through the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program for community projects to construct, acquire, or improve facilities that are open to the public and will directly enable work, education, and health monitoring.
Visit the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s website to learn more about its work to close the digital divide in the Commonwealth.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Penny Ickes, dcedpress@pa.gov
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