COVID-19 ARPA Digital Connectivity Technology Program

Overview

The Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP) is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Digital Connectivity Technology Program aims to increase access to technology devices where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use. The PBDA will distribute $20,000,000 in devices through a competitive grant process to public-facing community anchor institutions and units of local government.

Eligibility

Public-facing institutions, to include but not limited to, libraries, schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions located in areas where affordability has been identified as a barrier to broadband adoption and use.

Applicants must possess the technical, managerial, and financial expertise to design and implement the grant program within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Eligible projects under this program will include the acquisition of laptop devices that facilitates broadband internet access and promotes digital literacy and skills training. These devices will be available to eligible entities for use onsite or to individuals through a lending program. No fee or cost is permitted to be passed on from the grantee to the end user in association with devices. Ownership of the device must be maintained by the grantee.

Funding

The minimum grant amount for any grant is 20 devices. The maximum grant amount for any grant is 200 devices.

Additional Information

Digital Connectivity Technology Program FAQ (Coming soon)