Biden Administration Announces More Than $2.9 Million in Internet for All Grant to Albany State University

WASHINGTON – The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced today it has awarded Albany State University, a Historically Black College and University, $2,997,777 as part of the Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program.   

Albany State University is one of two minority-serving colleges receiving grants today, bringing the total amount of funds distributed under the program to $27,198,200 across 12 educational institutions. The grants will be used to deliver Internet access, purchase equipment, and to hire and train information technology personnel.   

“Historically Black Colleges or Universities serve as essential anchor institutions that provide digital skills education and workforce development programs for communities across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “This Connecting Minority Communities grant will help provide resources and expand access to remote learning. This will build Albany State University's digital capacity and fuel job creation and economic growth throughout their surrounding community" 

Specifically, Albany State University will use the grant to expand access to remote learning by expanding broadband internet access, connectivity, and promoting digital inclusion in the community.  

“We are honored to be awarded the grant for the Connecting Minority Communities Program. This grant will address the growing demand of support needed for broadband connectivity in the Albany community while establishing a foundation for future distance learning at Albany State University,” said President of Albany State University Marion Ross Fedrick. "The program aligns with our strategic plan that addresses opportunities for community partnership, ensures student access and success and creates the environment where both the community and our students can thrive.” 

Awardees of the program include Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) across the United States. More information about the awardees and grants is available on InternetForAll.Gov.   

The CMC program is part of President Biden’s Internet for All initiative and specifically directs $268 million from the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 for expanding high-speed Internet access and connectivity to eligible colleges and universities.    

Internet for All  

President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law includes a historic $65 billion investment to expand affordable and reliable high-speed Internet access in communities across the U.S. NTIA recently launched a series of new high-speed Internet grant programs funded by the law that will build high-speed Internet infrastructure across the country, create more low-cost high-speed Internet service options, and address the digital equity and inclusion needs in our communities.  

Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Visit getinternet.gov to learn more.  

For more information on the Biden-Harris Administration’s high-speed Internet programs as well as quotes from the awardees, please visit InternetforAll.gov. 

 
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