Massachusetts Launches $23 Million Device Distribution Program to Address Digital Divide

The Healey-Driscoll administration and Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) launched the Connected & Online Program, a $23 million initiative to close the digital device gap across Massachusetts. The program will distribute approximately 27,000 internet-connected devices – such as laptops, desktops, tablets, assistive technology and supportive equipment – to eligible organizations across the state. Funded by the U.S. Treasury Capital Projects Fund, the Connected and Online Program is part of the state’s broader digital empowerment strategy and aims to increase access to education, expand workforce training and support access to health care services, especially in Gateway Cities and rural communities. Devices will be preloaded with security and accessibility software and distributed at no cost to approved applicants. Eligible applicants to the Connected and Online Program include municipalities, libraries, health care providers, workforce centers, educational institutions and nonprofits. Each organization may request a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 500 devices. Applicants will demonstrate how the supplied devices will be accessible to the public, either through lending programs or on-site use and how expanded access to devices aligns with the needs of the communities they serve. Applicants must also include a strategy for measuring usage and outcomes and outline a plan for ongoing end-user support and device management. The deadline to apply for the Connected and Online Program is Friday, Nov. 7. Interested applicants may apply here.