Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program

The Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program is a $268 million grant program to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) for the purchase of broadband internet access service and eligible equipment or to hire and train information technology personnel.  NITA’s Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives (OMBI), established by the CAA 2021, administers the CMC program. CMC seeks to expand educational instruction and remote learning opportunities, spur economic development, and create opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, by building the digital capacity of the eligible institutions and furthering broadband access, adoption, and digital skills within those institutions and in their surrounding anchor communities.  

Eligible funding recipients for CMC include HBCUs, TCUs, MSIs, or a consortium led by one of those institutions.  

 Eligible uses of funds include: 

• Upgrading classroom technology
• Purchasing or leasing eligible equipment and devices for student or patron use
• Purchasing of Internet access service, including the installation or upgrade of broadband facilities
• Hiring and training information technology personnel who are part of the eligible institution
• Workforce development and digital literacy skills
• Expanding community technology hubs

Click here for the most up-to-date information on the Connecting Minority Communities program.