The Digital Divide Grant Program (DDGP) is an initiative of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) aimed at addressing the barriers to digital access and equity in low-income urban and rural communities. Starting December 12, 2024, CPUC is accepting applications for this competitive grant program, which offers financial support to eligible entities. The program will fund up to one $100,000 grant for rural or urban schools and up to two $50,000 grants for Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) working collaboratively with eligible schools or districts. The grants are designed to benefit schools within low-income small districts where at least 50% of students participate in the Free and Reduced-Price Meal program.
The primary objective of the DDGP is to provide holistic solutions to digital access challenges. Fundable projects may address gaps in broadband infrastructure, device affordability, access to necessary personal devices, and digital literacy training. Projects may include but are not limited to, providing student home broadband connections, essential hardware such as laptops or hotspots, technology-focused curricula, software for distance learning, and teacher training in digital tools. The goal is to ensure students and teachers can engage effectively in technology-enabled education.
Eligible applicants include low-income schools in rural or urban areas and non-profit CBOs with experience in bridging the digital divide. CBOs must partner with a qualifying public school or district to deploy their projects, ensuring that the school or district is the direct beneficiary of the grant-funded activities. Applications will be evaluated through a competitive process as outlined in CPUC Resolution T-17770, ensuring that the most impactful and well-designed proposals receive funding.
The DDGP is funded through a portion of fees collected from leasing state-owned properties to wireless telecommunications service providers, as stipulated under Government Code Section 14666.8. Applications must be submitted by February 12, 2025. Interested parties are encouraged to apply promptly, as the program seeks innovative solutions that can demonstrate measurable outcomes in closing the digital divide.
For more information about the program, guidelines, and application details, visit the official CPUC website at www.cpuc.ca.gov/ddgp or contact CPUC directly at their San Francisco office.
