CARSON CITY – June 26, 2024 The Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) today announced the receipt of a $ 9,200,546 Digital Equity Capacity Grant from the US Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). This grant, authorized by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, will provide critical funding to empower Nevada residents with the tools and skills needed to access and utilize the benefits of the Internet.
“The Digital Equity Capacity Grant will further advance the High Speed Nevada Initiative and the State’s goal that all Nevadans have a connected device and the digital skills and support needed to safely and securely work, learn and thrive,” said Brian Mitchell, Director of OSIT. “This funding will provide the funding needed to implement our Statewide Digital Equity Plan and progress toward ensuring all residents have the opportunity to participate fully in our increasingly digital world.”
Please see the attached release for additional information.
NTIA Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program Launch
Importantly for the digital equity community in Nevada, the award of Nevada’s funding triggers a 30-day window for NTIA to launch the $1.25 billion Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. This program is a competitive grant wherein organizations other than OSIT in Nevada may apply directly to the NTIA for funding. Organizations should begin now to prepare to apply as OSIT expects the application window to be short. OSIT encourages the Nevada digital equity community to apply directly to NTIA to fund programs and initiatives that will not be funded by the State’s grant program. OSIT will hold an informational webinar in the coming weeks regarding the State’s priorities for the State Capacity Grant Program and tips for applying for the federal Competitive Grant Program. Additional information from NTIA can be found here: https://www.ntia.gov/press-release/2024/biden-harris-administration-awards-9-million-nevada-advance-digital-inclusion-efforts