（Boston Orange 編譯）麻州政府麻州技術合作組織（MassTech）旗下的麻馬州寬頻研究所（MBI）今日啟動「連結上線計劃（Connected and Online Program）」計畫，以縮小麻州各市鎮的數位設備差距。
麻州政府計劃斥資2300萬美元，分發27,000台連網設備，例如筆記型電腦、桌上型電腦、平板電腦、輔助技術和支援設備。符合申請資格機構，須在11月7日（週五）前提出申請。
這筆款項將來自資金來自美國財政部的「資本項目基金」（Capital Projects Fund），優先發放設備給門戶城市（gateway cities）和農村社區，以確保資源公平分配。
麻州政府希望藉此提升州內居民的學生做作業，參加線上課程的比率，方便居民使用遠距醫療服務，追蹤健康狀況，也幫助求職者更容易的上網申請工作，參加職業培訓。
凡是市政單位，圖書館，醫療機構，勞動力發展中心，教育機構，非營利組織，都可申請，在30至500台之間，說明需要設備台數，並相係說明如何讓公眾使用這些設備，如何衡量使用率及對社區的影響，如何提供支援與設備管理等。
Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches $23 Million Device Distribution Program to Address Digital Divide
The State will Provide up to 27,000 Internet-Connected Laptops, Tablets and Other Devices to Support Education, Job Training and Telehealth Access Statewide
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll administration and Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) today launched the Connected and Online Program, a $23 million initiative to close the digital device gap across Massachusetts. The program will distribute approximately 27,000 internet-connected devices – such as laptops, desktops, tablets, assistive technology and supportive equipment – to eligible organizations across the state.
Funded by the U.S. Treasury Capital Projects Fund, the Connected and Online Program is part of the state’s broader digital empowerment strategy and aims to increase access to education, expand workforce training and support access to health care services, especially in Gateway Cities and rural communities. Devices will be preloaded with security and accessibility software and distributed at no cost to approved applicants.
“Access to the internet is no longer a luxury – it's a necessity for work, learning and health,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through this program, we are making sure that communities across Massachusetts have the tools they need to succeed in the digital economy. Closing the digital divide is essential to building an economy that works for everyone, no matter their zip code.”
“From rural towns to our largest cities, residents deserve the chance to log on and connect with opportunity,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These devices will help families access telehealth, students complete their homework, and job seekers apply for new opportunities. This investment is about removing barriers so that everyone in Massachusetts can fully participate in our economy.”
“This historic investment will provide thousands of Massachusetts households with the necessary devices to take classes online, apply for a job or remotely track their health status,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “The Connected and Online Program is another way the state is addressing the digital divide across Massachusetts by providing residents with the tools they need to thrive in today’s digital economy.”
“MBI is proud to partner with organizations across the state to support telehealth, remote patient monitoring, online learning opportunities and workforce development,” said MBI Program Executive Jody Jones. “The first step to accessing critical services in today’s world depends on a reliable device that is connected to the internet. The goal of this program is to increase access to these devices and ensure that all residents, regardless of where they live, are able to fully participate in the digital economy.”
Eligible applicants to the Connected and Online Program include municipalities, libraries, health care providers, workforce centers, educational institutions and nonprofits. Each organization may request a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 500 devices.
Applicants will demonstrate how the supplied devices will be accessible to the public, either through lending programs or on-site use and how expanded access to devices aligns with the needs of the communities they serve. Applicants must also include a strategy for measuring usage and outcomes and outline a plan for ongoing end-user support and device management.
The deadline to apply for the Connected and Online Program is Friday, Nov. 7. Interested applicants may apply here.
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