FloridaCommerce has awarded more than $11 million to 15 local education, workforce, and community development partners across Florida through the ConnectedFlorida’s Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP). These funds aim to enhance broadband internet access and support digital literacy, education, training, mentorship, and employment opportunities in various communities.
"Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida continues to invest resources in those local workforce, education, and job creation activities that give young and old alike a pathway to high demand, high-value opportunities," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "These broadband connectivity awards are focused on exactly those kinds of targeted programs that allow Floridians to elevate their skills, ultimately position themselves and their families for prosperity and opportunity."
The following entities received awards:
- Boys & Girls Clubs of St. Lucie County ($500,000) – To provide over 300 digital devices such as laptops for work, education, and health monitoring.
- Bridge To Hope W.O.C., Inc. ($404,693) – To equip the Bridge to Hope Learning Lab with over 300 devices like laptops for similar purposes.
- Centro Campesino ($779,018) – For more than 700 digital devices aiding work, education, and health monitoring.
- Figgers Foundation ($5,499,580) – To offer multiple counties access to digital devices supporting work, education, and health monitoring.
- Gadsden County Board of County Commissioners ($355,200) – To supply three public libraries with laptops enhancing work-related tasks.
- Hardee County Industrial Development Authority ($391,380) – To bring free Wi-Fi to residents in downtown Wauchula and the Hardee County Fairgrounds.
- Helping Advance and Nurture the Development of Youth (HANDY), Inc. ($242,571) – In collaboration with several organizations providing digital devices for work-related purposes.
- Miami-Dade County Public Library System ($1,417,600) – To furnish over 900 digital devices across 30 branches for educational use.
- OIC of South Florida ($408,313) – To equip with laptops aiding work-related activities.
- Pasco County Board of County Commissioners ($149,765) – For desktop computers improving internet access at the Pasco County Library.
- Polk State College ($114,642) – For installing laptops at its new “Collab Lab” improving community broadband access.
- Santa Rosa County Library System ($1000)—For laptop provision enabling educational activities
-S.E.E.K Foundation Inc.(496125)—To improve broad band system
-St.Petersburg College($258735)—for laptops