Digital Divide Grant Program - Low-Income Rural and Urban Schools

The Digital Divide Grant Program, established under California's Public Utilities Code, aims to bridge the technology gap for low-income rural and urban schools. With an annual funding of $200,000, it supports projects that enhance digital literacy, provide take-home devices, and ensure broadband access. This initiative, transitioning from a pilot to a permanent program, focuses on delivering essential resources to underserved communities, fostering equitable access to technology and educational opportunities.

Public Utilities Code Section 280.5, enacted in 2003 by AB 855 (Firebaugh, Chapter 820, Statutes of 2003), established the Digital Divide Grant Program. It requires the Commission to award grants to fund digital divide programs. The Digital Divide Grant Program is funded by a percentage of fees collected from the lease of certain state-owned property to wireless telecommunications service providers for wireless telecommunications facilities, pursuant to Govt. Code Section 14666.8.
On September 18, 2020, the Commission initiated Rulemaking 20-09-001 (the “Broadband for All” proceeding) to set the strategic direction and implement changes necessary to expeditiously deploy reliable, fast, and affordable broadband. Phase One of the proceeding concluded on October 25, 2021, resulting in Decision 21-10-020. The decision delegated to the Communications Division staff the authority to approve grants from the Digital Divide Account that meet the criteria set forth in Ordering Paragraph 7 and Pub. Util. Code § 280.5.
Summary
This Resolution transitions the Digital Divide Grant Program from a pilot to a permanent program to eligible Community Technology Programs. The total grant amount available is $200,000 yearly, on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted or otherwise discontinued. This Resolution authorizes up to $100,000 to projects for low-income rural and urban schools. The source of the funding is the Digital Divide Account. The grants are aimed at reducing the digital divide in schools and communities located in low-income urban and rural areas by providing necessary resources and access to digital technology. The projects aim to deliver holistic solutions through digital literacy training, take-home devices, and broadband connections.