2023-24 Institute on Digital Equity – Aug 11

Posted by American Association of Colleges and Universities on June 27, 2023

Apply today to participate in the new Institute on Digital Equity, a seven-month online engagement model designed to accelerate the work of teams seeking to enact ambitious strategies to pursue digital equity on their campus, in their community/region, and/or in their state. This institute will directly engage participating teams from September 2023 to April 2024 via virtual events, consultations, mentorship, and cross-team interactions as participants develop and implement digital equity action plans.

Institute Context and Purpose

Access to the internet and competency with associated digital skills are now undeniably necessary for full participation in many aspects of society, including civic and cultural involvement, healthcare, employment, and education. While “digital divide” concerns had been widely acknowledged prior to 2020, the pandemic made digital equity gaps far more transparent. As a result, we are now at the beginning of a historic moment of engagement regarding digital equity that has the overarching goal of ensuring that all people and communities have the skills, technology, and capacities needed to reap the full benefits of our digital economy. Higher education, given its facilities, resources, partnerships, personnel, expertise, and mission, is uniquely positioned to be a leader and collaborator in digital equity efforts. The purpose of this institute is to support, facilitate, and accelerate those efforts.

Many colleges and universities are seeking to develop or expand efforts to address digital equity concerns on their campus. This includes employing inclusive pedagogy, adopting open educational resources, distributing devices, promoting the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, and developing partnerships across and beyond the institution in service to digital equity goals and to reach a broader and more diverse population of students. In addition to these important campus projects, there are also opportunities for higher education to contribute to local, regional, and national digital equity efforts. Key examples are represented by funding opportunities supported by $65 billion contained within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which are designed to support inclusion efforts for groups and communities disproportionally impacted by digital inequity, including low-income households, incarcerated individuals, persons with disabilities, racial and ethnic minorities, rural inhabitants, veterans, people with language barriers, and aging individuals. Currently, in state contexts, governors’ offices are leading statewide, digital equity planning efforts that will conclude late in 2023, and colleges and universities are well-positioned to contribute to this planning and future initiatives. Additionally, at the beginning of 2024, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program will open, and higher education will be able to compete directly for this funding to support their work.

Application deadline: August 11, 2023

Learn more and apply.