Commerce Dept. Funds Internet Training Programs in California, New York
The Commerce Department has announced broadband investments totaling more than $29 million for the nation's two largest cities, Los Angeles and New York.
The grants target computer-training programs and will allow more than 30,000 low-income students and their families online access to educational, employment, and health information.
In New York, the NYC Connected Learning project aims to provide computer training, hardware, and educational software to more than 18,000 students and their families across the city. Participants also receive one year of free high-speed Internet in their homes.
California's Computers for Youth has partnered with the Los Angeles Unified School District to aid in students' awareness of online technology and increase broadband adoption in Los Angeles communities.
It is estimated that over 8,000 households will become new broadband subscribers thanks to the grants.
Funding for the commerce grants is made possible by the 2009 Recovery Act. Previously, funding has been awarded to rural communities in order to increase broadband availability.
The FCC's National Broadband Plan asks Congress to approve funding for similar programs meant to increase digital literacy in low-income urban and rural areas.
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