[Libs-Or] Oregon Digital Equity Program Grant Opportunity for Public Schools and Libraries

[WEIBLE Arlene * SLO]

The Oregon Broadband Office has released the Oregon Digital Equity Program (ODEP) Grant Application<https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/DE/ODEP/Pages/default.aspx> for Education Service Districts, Public School Districts, Public Schools (if acting as a community anchor institution), Public Library Service Districts, and Public Libraries.

Eligible uses of ODEP Grant funds include digital equity projects to implement the State of Oregon Digital Equity Plan<https://www.oregon.gov/biz/Publications/Broadband/ORDigitalEquityPlan.pdf> and advance economic and workforce development, educational and health outcomes, civic and social engagement, and the delivery of essential services in Oregon. Projects that receive grant awards will address the need for broadband internet affordability, digital skills training, and affordable technology and technical support for Oregon's "Covered Populations" (defined in the Digital Equity plan<https://www.oregon.gov/biz/Publications/Broadband/ORDigitalEquityPlan.pdf>)

The Oregon Broadband Office (OBO) will prioritize the following types of projects and project attributes as aligned with the goals of the DE Plan:
* Digital Navigator: Projects that deliver 1:1 digital skills training and technology support, small group instruction tailored to Covered Population groups, and information aiding members of Covered Populations to achieve greater access to affordable internet services and computing devices. Projects may incorporate public computing labs, other technology needs, device distribution, and the development of digital literacy and skills training specific to the community and Covered Population group,
* In-Community Digital Literacy: Projects that provide in-community digital literacy training. The term "in-community," refers to culturally and linguistically community-centered spaces, either in-person or virtual.
* Device Distribution with Digital Literacy and Skills Training: Device distribution is based on the completion of digital literacy and skills training for the purpose of education and economic development-fostering work opportunities such as digital entrepreneurship, job training and upskilling, and remote work opportunities, particularly in rural areas. Projects may incorporate public computing labs.
* High-Priority Geographic Areas: Projects that address digital equity needs in rural and other geographical areas within the state that have a high percentage of Covered Populations.

Amount available: 6.7 million dollars, with up to 10 subgrant awards between $500,000 and $1,000,000 per award

Deadline for applications: May 22, 2025.

Funding source:  U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program<https://www.ntia.gov/federal-register-notice/2024/notice-funding-opportunity-state-digital-equity-capacity-grant-program> (SDECGP). Funding is made available via the Digital Equity Act in accordance with the SDECGP Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and Oregon's SDECGP application.

More detailed instructions, options for technical assistance and webinars to help complete the application, FAQ's, and other details can be found on the ODEP website: https://www.oregon.gov/biz/programs/DE/ODEP/Pages/default.aspx

Questions: Please contact Leina Gonzales-Baird, Digital Equity Program Coordinator, leina.gonzalez-baird at biz.oregon.gov<mailto:leina.gonzalez-baird at biz.oregon.gov>, 971-707-8159<tel:9717078159>


Arlene Weible, MLS (she/her/hers)
Library Consultant
Oregon Federal Regional Depository Coordinator
State Library of Oregon
arlene.weible at slo.oregon.gov<mailto:arlene.weible at slo.oregon.gov> | 503-378-5020 | http://www.oregon.gov/library/libraries

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