Gearing Up to Connect Minority Communities

On June 15, the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a final rule for a new pilot program focused on connecting minority communities. The Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program will provide grants to eligible historically Black colleges or universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges or Universities (TCUs), and Minority-serving institutions (MSIs) in anchor communities for broadband internet access service, equipment, or to hire information technology personnel to facilitate educational instruction including remote instruction, and to lend or provide equipment to eligible students or patrons. Congress created the pilot program in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, signed in December 2020. The law also created the Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives within the NTIA. Although the NTIA released a final rule, it has not yet released a Notice of Funding Opportunity. That is expected later this summer and will provide additional details about the available funds, how applications will be evaluated, and a timeline for awarding grants. But organizations and surrounding communities can confirm their eligibility now and start planning for an application.


Gearing Up to Connect Minority Communities