HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has awarded grants to provide laptops to two organizations in Mercer County, boosting digital access for the community, according to Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50).
The George Junior Republic in Grove City will receive 42 laptops and the Hope Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. in Sharon will receive 64 laptops. These grants will help bridge the digital divide for residents who face barriers to technology access.
“Ensuring that every community has access to the tools it needs to thrive in today’s digital world is critical,” said Brooks. “These laptops will serve as lifelines for learning, job training, health care accessibility, and will help empower individuals to unlock new opportunities and overcome any technological barriers they may be facing.”
The grants were awarded through the Federal American Rescue Plan Act Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Applicants, including local governments and community institutions, demonstrated that affordability is a key barrier to broadband adoption to compete for part of the program’s $20 million in statewide funding.
The PBDA, established with the support of Senate Republicans, is an independent agency within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The PBDA oversees the development of a statewide broadband plan and administers federal and state funding to expand broadband infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas of Pennsylvania.
CONTACT:
Adam Gingrich
717-787-1322