CONGRESSMAN BISHOP ANNOUNCES $2.9 MILLION BROADBAND AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY FEDERAL AWARD TO FORT VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
February 28, 2023
FORT VALLEY, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) announced a $2,997,558 Connecting Minority Communities Program grant to Fort Valley State University (FVSU). This grant program is overseen by the National Institute of Standards & Technology Bureau and focuses on providing and expanding internet service and integrating new broadband technologies for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities, Minority-Serving Institutions, and the surrounding communities where they are located.
"Broadband internet is an essential utility and economic engine needed by every household and community in America – urban, suburban, and rural. Our colleges and universities are also important hubs that affect communities they serve and the local economy," said Congressman Bishop. "I am delighted that Fort Valley State University is receiving this award, and I look forward to their capitalizing on this opportunity to get students, faculty, and staff as well as the surrounding community connected with reliable and affordable high-speed internet access."
"We are excited to play a pivotal role in connecting Peach, Crawford, and Macon counties to broadband," said FVSU President Dr. Paul Jones. "Nearly 28% of residents in these counties do not have broadband services. This pilot project will provide support services and educational programs to enhance digital literacy, broadband connectivity, and upward economic mobility."
The funds will support the training of technical support personnel and the purchase of equipment necessary to expand high-speed internet access and use both on and off campus. The overall goal of the project is to make high-speed internet, known as broadband, more understandable and attainable.
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