CPF Device Program | Compendium

Compendium

News for Pennsyslvania Libraries

CPF Device Program

by | Feb 12, 2024 | Broadband, Equity, Grants and Other Funding Opportunities, State Agency Information

Attention Libraries.

Does your library need laptops or tablets to meet community needs for digital literacy?

I am sharing the message below from our friends at the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority.  They request your input to assist in determining how to best deploy the $20 million allocated for the Devices Program.  Libraries are named as a possible recipient.  Please respond to their survey (form linked below) as soon as possible, but definitely before the deadline of March 1, 2024.   Take action to be prepared to apply and make a case for your community’s needs for devices to be used in your library and for loan to your patrons.

In the coming months, the PA Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) will release grant program guidelines and open its application period for a $20 million Digital Connectivity Technology Projects (Devices Program), a competitive grant program that is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act’s Capital Projects Fund (funded through U.S. Treasury). The Program will provide laptops and/or tablets to support digital literacy efforts and enable users to fully participate in work, school, and health monitoring activities. Eligible applicants for the Devices Program include public-facing institutions such as schools, libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, non-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions that are equipped to distribute devices to members of the public through short-term loan programs, or to be made available for use in public facilities.

As PBDA finalizes guidelines, we are requesting feedback on several items where U.S. Treasury has provided us with flexibility in program design. We ask that you take a few minutes to complete a brief form to offer your input on these important topics related to the Devices program. This will ensure that we tailor the program in a way that is most representative of community needs. Please note that more details will be released through program guidelines in the coming months.

We ask that you please submit your input by Friday, March 1st. You can access the form here: CPF Devices Program – public input form.

Thank you,

The PBDA Team

Stay tuned for more information shared here from Office of Commonwealth Libraries in this space or reach out to me with your inspiration, questions, and ideas in regard to building relationships and increasing digital equity in your community.

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