Washington, DC

(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the approval of the District of Columbia’s Digital Equity Capacity grant application, awarding $3.8 million to the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) to implement its Digital Equity Plan.

“DC will use the $3.8 million Digital Equity Capacity grant funds to enhance our residents’ digital skills and expand access to essential digital devices across the District, further bridging the digital divide,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.

This funding is part of President Biden’s “Internet for All” initiative. For a variety of reasons, many Americans struggle to use the Internet connection available to them—for example, some lack the skills to navigate online resources and protect their personal and financial information online, and others cannot afford a computer or tablet at home.

“The Digital Equity Capacity Grant represents a transformative opportunity for the residents of DC, enabling OCTO to make significant strides in closing the digital divide. This initiative ensures that every DC resident has the chance to fully engage in the digital economy and thrive in the modern age without facing bias or barriers,” said Chief Technology Officer Stephen N. Miller.

OCTO’s DC State Broadband and Digital Equity Office (SBDEO) will implement projects across the District, with a focus on Wards 5, 7, and 8 where residents have fewer digital equity resources. Over the coming months, OCTO will share additional information about the funding opportunities available to external partners to support the grant's digital equity efforts.

DC will use this funding to implement its digital equity plan, which outlines how DC will empower individuals and communities with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from a digital world, such as:

• Developing Tech Together partnerships to further digital equity goals – Tech Together is an OCTO led initiative that partners with the DC government, academia, community organizations, and the tech industry designed to help bridge the digital divide in DC.
• Device Distribution – OCTO partners will provide low-cost, or no-cost devices and IT support, to improve digital equity for the District residents who need it most.
• Digital Literacy Training – OCTO partners will provide comprehensive digital literacy training, from basic to advanced, to District residents including programming to improve broadband adoption.

Stakeholders and residents are encouraged to stay engaged as the District takes this next step in implementing its Digital Equity Plan. View DC's Digital Equity Plan, which outlines the strategic vision for these and other digital equity initiatives, at techtogetherdc.com.
 

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