Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) Executive Director Brandon Carson announced the PBDA Board of Directors’ approval of 117 applications through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program for the distribution of 9,122 laptops to community institutions across 42 Pennsylvania counties for use by residents who do not have access to digital technology. The community institutions approved for laptops today include the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, Inc. in Berks County, the J. Herman Bosler Memorial Library in Cumberland County, and the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh in Allegheny County.
“The community organizations receiving these devices will help ensure that individuals needing to use a laptop to access high-speed, reliable internet will have that important access.” said Executive Director Carson. “Each organization has outlined a clear and effective plan to make these laptops available to individuals in their communities so they have better health, education, and economic outcomes.”
Through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program, laptops will be distributed to public-facing institutions such as libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions in areas where affordability is a barrier. A second round of laptop applications through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program will open in 2025.
The full list of approvals can be found on the PBDA website and includes:
- Allegheny County – 200 laptops to the Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
- Berks County – 100 laptops to the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, Inc.
- Cumberland County – 30 laptops to the J. Herman Bosler Memorial Library
- Lycoming County – 40 laptops to the Pennsylvania College of Technology
- Mercer County – 64 laptops to the Hope Center for Arts and Technology, Inc.
- Philadelphia County – 200 laptops to Beyond Literacy
The PBDA will also partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and PA CareerLink® to introduce program participants to SkillUp™ PA, which offers no-cost online job skills training to the public.
“All Pennsylvanians deserve access to reliable, high-speed internet and a chance to compete for a good-paying job,” said Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy Walker. “By providing Pennsylvania workers with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in today’s workforce, we not only strengthen our communities, but are one step closer to closing the digital divide in Pennsylvania.”