May 2025

2025 Charles Benton Digital Equity Champions Awards

Ibrahim Emara’s approach to digital inclusion is rooted in accessibility, cultural relevance, and strategic engagement. His digital inclusion efforts have directly impacted immigrants, seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income students, ensuring they are not left behind in the digital age. Building capacity and access takes teamwork and dedication. Ibrahim co-developed and co-taught the Neighborhood Allies Adult Digital Skills Program, a first-of-its-kind initiative addressing “digital skills deserts” in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

FCC Directs USAC to Fully Fund Eligible C1 and C2 E-Rate Requests

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) announced that there is sufficient funding available to fully meet the Universal Service Administrative Company’s (USAC) estimated demand for category one and category two requests for E-Rate-supported services for funding year 2025. On March 27, 2025, USAC submitted a demand estimate for the E-Rate program for funding year 2025.  USAC estimates the total demand for funding year 2025 will be $3.225 billion, which includes estimated demand for category one services of $1.806 billion, and of $1.418 billion for catego