Grambling State University

The Grambling State University (GSU) Meeting the Needs of Underrepresented Communities by Providing Broadband Access and Training project includes four activities. The first activity will improve the broadband infrastructure of Grambling State University through cable upgrades in buildings and installation of access points for improved Wi-Fi coverage. The second activity will provide subsidized broadband access to qualified low-income in-need students through a mobile hotspot program. The third activity will provide training to support professional development for GSU faculty in information technology, telehealth & telemedicine, and the online delivery of courses. The fourth activity will expand student training in cybersecurity and information technology through the implementation of new courses and programs.

As a result of implementing the proposed project activities, the following outcomes will be realized at Grambling State University (GSU) and in the anchor community. The project will provide reliable and fast Wi-Fi service in all campus buildings by upgrading the cabling infrastructure and access points. It will improve the ability of low-income in-need students to be fully engaged in online learning by providing access to subsidized broadband service. The cybersecurity training that GSU provides that is currently limited to computer science and digital technologies majors will be expanded to students in all undergraduate majors. The project will provide focused training to faculty and students that will develop information technology skills, and provide telemedicine/telehealth training to faculty in Nursing and Social Work that will be used to revise curricula and expand the training of students. It will improve the ability of faculty to engage students in online courses utilizing a variety of strategies that support faculty and student interactions. Lastly, the project will increase the use of Telemedicine in Anchor Communities.

All faculty, students, and staff at Grambling State University (GSU) will benefit from the broadband upgrade and will have access to reliable Wi-Fi on campus. The mobile hotspot program will support at least 1,000 low-income in-need students over the two-year award period. GSU faculty will benefit from the professional development activities, which will in turn benefit student learning and performance. GSU students will benefit from the expanded cybersecurity and information technology training opportunities on campus. Additionally, the surrounding anchor community in Bienville, Lincoln, and Jackson Parishes in Louisiana will benefit from the expansion of telemedicine into the anchor communities, which will result from the training for community healthcare providers.

The recipient does not intend to subaward funds.

The applicant does not fund a consortia. The applicant’s activities do occur in the surrounding anchor communities. Details of community involvement are described below.

Project Title:

Meeting the Needs of Underrepresented Communities by Providing Broadband Access and Training

Project Purpose/Type:

City/Town/Service Area:

State(s):

Breadcrumb

Grambling State University

Project Title: Meeting the Needs of Underrepresented Communities by Providing Broadband Access and Training

Project Purpose/Type:

City/Town/Service Area:

State(s):

Activities

Outcomes

Beneficiaries

Sub-recipient activities if applicable

Community Involvement

Project Title:

Meeting the Needs of Underrepresented Communities by Providing Broadband Access and Training