Courtesy of Philander Smith College
Philander Smith College (PSC) has been awarded a $2, 999, 903 grant from the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program (CMC) to expand high-speed internet access that will enhance technology and broadband upgrades. The program is run by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration as part of the Biden Administration’s Internet for All initiative that aims to connect everyone in America with affordable, reliable high-speed internet service.
PSC is one of the 61 minority-serving colleges and universities— the only Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Arkansas – receiving a grant of a total $175 million awarded. “Enhancing technology infrastructure is a key component to remaining competitive in higher education today, so we are elated about this nearly $3 million grant through the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program,” said Philander Smith College’s president, Roderick L. Smothers, Sr.
The goal at the campus is to improve, upgrade, and expand the use of technology with a focus on innovation to enhance the learning process of the students and provide more effective administrative functions for the faculty and staff. PSC will implement campus enterprise-level resources, refresh technology for both students and employees, purchase internet access service, install and upgrade broadband facilities, and improve wireless connectivity. Additionally, eligible devices/equipment will be provided for student use and a Wi-Fi hotspot lending program will be set up that would allow community residents to check out technology for their own educational purposes.
“Access to reliable, high-speed internet service plays a big role in the success of our scholars and in the operations of the college,” said President Smothers. “We are grateful that, with these transformative funds, we can improve and elevate the use of technology at PSC not only for the benefit of our students, faculty, and staff but also our local community.”
