JOHNSTON – Mobile Beacon, a wireless-service provider that offers discounted internet access for schools and nonprofits, is now accepting applications for its annual Wi-Fly Digital Inclusion Grant.
The grant, valued at $20,000, provides each recipient with 25 laptops and 25 Wi-Fi hotspots with free, unlimited 4G LTE mobile internet access for one year. Eligible applicants include schools, libraries, nonprofits, housing authorities, health care organizations and other community anchor institutions across the U.S.
The deadline to apply for the Wi-Fly grant is Oct. 2.
“The digital divide continues to affect millions of Americans – particularly the most vulnerable members of our society,” Katherine Messier, executive director of Mobile Beacon, said in a statement. “Community anchor institutions have tremendous reach into our communities, impacting the lives of many individuals and families with a single broadband connection. Mobile Beacon’s Wi-Fly grant gives these organizations the means to connect people to the resources they need to succeed.”
Awarded every fall, the Wi-Fly Digital Inclusion Grant helps community anchor institutions launch digital-inclusion programs to provide internet access to underserved populations, increase digital literacy and empower people with technology to improve their lives.
In 2016, the four organizations awarded Wi-Fly grants were LifeSTEPS in Sacramento, Calif.; Rockford Housing Authority in Rockford, Ill.; Bartram High School in Philadelphia; and Chelsea District Library in Chelsea, Mich.
For more information about the Wi-Fly grant program or to apply, visit www.mobilebeacon.org.
Galen Auer is a PBN contributing writer. Email galen.auer@gmail.com or follow on Twitter at @PBNAuer.
