Measuring Success

To measure OMBI’s work and CMC grantee progress, OMBI has developed nine key metrics tied to specific program goals. Federal Program Officers (FPOs) track these metrics in their scheduled reporting milestones with partners which serve as a barometer for implementation progress and the pilot program’s success. Each key goal has specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that serve as vital statistics for programmatic health.

Goal 1 
Collaborate with federal agencies to expand access to broadband service in anchor communities.

• KPI 1: Number of partnerships with federal agencies that carry out broadband Internet access service support programs.

  This metric measures the number of partnerships and collaborations with federal agencies that carry out broadband Internet access service support programs. These partnerships and collaborations help determine how to expand access to broadband Internet access service, and other digital opportunities, in anchor communities. This coordination creates efficiencies and optimizes the use of federal resources to achieve this objective.

• KPI 2: Number of digital technical trainings, webinars, and digital opportunities for anchor communities.

  This metric measures the number of technical training, webinar, and digital opportunities for anchor communities to promote digital literacy skills. These learning modalities include opportunities for virtual or in-person digital literacy training and education. This measure will also capture the number of professional development opportunity partnerships between industry and HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs to help ensure that information technology personnel and students of HBCUs, TCUs, and MSIs have the skills needed to work with new and emerging technologies associated with broadband Internet.

Goal 2 
Expand broadband Internet capacity and connectivity at HBCUs, TCUs and MSIs.

• KPI 3: Number of new broadband subscriptions.

  This metric measures the increase in the number of individuals or institutions within these communities who have acquired new broadband connections. By tracking the number of new subscriptions, institutions can assess the demand for broadband services among their students, faculty, and staff. An increasing number of subscriptions indicates a growing awareness and adoption of broadband technology, reflecting improved connectivity and access to online resources. It also demonstrates the successful efforts to address affordability and availability barriers, as well as the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at promoting broadband adoption.

• KPI 4: Number of HBCU, TCU, and MSI campuses receiving broadband network upgrades.

  This metric measures the progress made in enhancing the infrastructure and connectivity within these educational institutions. An increase in the number of campuses receiving broadband network upgrades indicates a commitment to improving the quality and speed of Internet connections. Upgrades can include higher bandwidth, fiber-optic installations, improved Wi-Fi infrastructure, and other technological enhancements. These upgrades result in faster and more reliable Internet access for students, faculty, and staff, thereby promoting a conducive learning and research environment.

Goal 3 
Increase accessibility to devices for students and patrons to improve remote learning outcomes.

• KPI 5: Number of devices distributed to students and patrons previously without devices.

  Tracking the number of devices distributed allows institutions to quantify the impact of their initiatives. It reflects the reach of their programs and the extent to which they have been successful in ensuring that students and community stakeholders have the necessary tools to engage in remote learning. An increase in the number of devices distributed also indicates improved access to educational resources and online learning platforms, ultimately contributing to better learning outcomes and economic opportunity.

• KPI 6: Faculty and staff that received professional development training to improve remote learning.

  This metric captures the investment in training programs designed to empower educators with the skills and knowledge required to use digital tools and platforms in remote learning environments. By tracking the number of faculty and staff who have received professional development training, institutions can assess the readiness of their educators to adapt to remote learning methodologies. It reflects the commitment to supporting faculty and staff in developing the necessary technological competencies to deliver high-quality remote instruction. Increased training numbers may indicate a growing emphasis on professional development and highlight the institution's dedication to improving remote learning outcomes.

Goal 4 
Provide community members with the workforce and digital skills training to attain certification and jobs.

• KPI 7: Number of community members trained in workforce development and digital skills.

  This metric measures the reach and impact of training programs aimed at equipping community members with the skills required to enter the workforce or advance their careers in the digital age. Tracking the number of individuals trained showcases the grantee’s commitment to enhancing the employability and economic prospects of anchor community members. It reflects the effectiveness of workforce development initiatives and the accessibility of digital skills training. Increasing numbers indicate a broader reach of these programs and demonstrate the institution's efforts in addressing the skills gap within the community.

• KPI 8: Number of individuals awarded new certification upon training completion.

  This metric reflects the effectiveness of training programs in equipping community members with recognized qualifications, validating their proficiency in targeted areas. Tracking the number of certifications awarded indicates the grantee’s ability to deliver training that meets industry standards and prepares individuals for employment opportunities. Increasing certification numbers demonstrate the institution's commitment to quality training, the potential for improved job prospects for community members, and the growing capacity for the institution to safeguard its broadband investments.

• KPI 9: Number of jobs filled from community-based programs implemented.

  This metric reflects the institution's success in facilitating job placements and connecting community members with employment opportunities through their training programs. Tracking the number of jobs filled showcases the grantee's ability to bridge the gap between training and employment. It highlights the effectiveness of community-based programs in addressing local workforce needs and fostering economic growth within the anchor community. Increasing job placement numbers also indicate the institution's impact in creating pathways to employment for trained individuals.

Ultimately, these metrics feed into a logic model as inputs. These inputs represent leading indicators of economic impact that should manifest the multiplier effect of the CMC pilot program in these anchor institutions and communities.

• Initial Lessons Learned

  The 2022 Office of Minority Broadband Initiatives Report, in the agency's role as an advocate for broadband equity, reports on stakeholder initiatives and local programmatic solutions that bring down barriers to digital inclusion.

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• What To Expect In 2024

  As CMC grantee programs proceed along their maturation cycle, the third report in 2024 will have the opportunity to explore more data and more detail.

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• Final Thoughts

  The words and data that make up these reports don’t tell the full story. The true narrative, and OMBI’s essential mission, is a story about changing lives.

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