Niagara University has received $9.2 million in federal funding to address barriers to digital equity faced by low-income individuals, aging populations, individuals with disabilities, and historically marginalized populations throughout the City of Niagara Falls. The funding will support internet access in underserved sections of the city and training opportunities in basic digital literacy, internet safety, accessing healthcare resources online, and accessibility features that bridge long-standing digital divides.
The award, which comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program created by the Digital Equity Act, was announced by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Tim Kennedy.
“We are extremely grateful to Senator Schumer for his steadfast support in securing funding for yet another vital collaborative, community initiative that reflects Niagara University’s Catholic and Vincentian approach to transformative, cutting-edge, experiential education,” said the Rev. James Maher, C.M., Niagara University president. “Together, we will continue to strengthen our commitment to community-facing programs that not only benefit the Niagara region, but also provide our students and faculty with real-world, impactful experiences that foster greater inclusion, economic opportunity, and community growth.”
The five-year Niagara Falls Access & Education Project aims to expand library services, computer infrastructure, and digital training for more than 2,000 individuals currently without sufficient internet access, and provide computer training, such as digital literacy, online safety, and healthcare access, to thousands of local residents, including students in the Niagara Falls City School District. In addition, a public computer center at Niagara University’s new Academic Innovation Hub will be developed.
As part of the project, Niagara University students will work with local organizations through paid opportunities in research, teaching, and coaching, thereby advancing their career exploration and workforce development, and faculty will play a key role in shaping innovative curricula and microcredential programs to address a priority area of concern for residents by providing technology-related education and resources.
“As the lead educational anchor institution, Niagara University is proud to convene a diverse group of community partners to address critical barriers to digital equity in the City of Niagara Falls,” said Dr. Karen Kwandrans, associate vice president of strategic and external relations. “This project will address one of the top community needs identified during focus groups that the university convened with city residents.”
The initiative is a collaboration between Niagara University and its community partners, including the City of Niagara Falls, the Niagara Falls Public Library, Independent Living Center, Jewish Family Services, Niagara Falls City School District, Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center, Community Health Center of Niagara, and M&T Bank.
“Our ability to partner with Niagara University on this grant is another example of the deep partnership we have with the university,” said City of Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino. “This grant will provide digital access to many areas of the city that lack or have limited digital access. We appreciate the support and advocacy of Senator Schumer in helping to secure this much needed funding for our city.”