Empire State Development (ESD) has announced the allocation of $7.4 million in grants to 13 organizations throughout New York State through its ConnectALL Office. The funding aims to enhance digital literacy, skills, and accessibility for more than 110,000 residents across various regions.
The grants include $6.4 million directed toward 10 nonprofit organizations and public institutions serving areas from the North Country to New York City. An additional $40,000 will support a technical assistance partnership with the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe. The awarded funds are intended to improve digital literacy, increase access to devices, boost participation in digital health initiatives, enhance online safety, and ensure that state agencies provide accessible digital services.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight stated, “These targeted investments ensure that communities across every region of New York have the support they need to participate in today’s digital economy. ConnectALL continues to drive innovative, community-centered solutions that expand digital literacy, strengthen state services, and support our Tribal and First Nations partners. Governor Hochul’s leadership has made it possible to sustain this work, even in the absence of federal funding, and today’s awards reflect New York’s unwavering commitment to New Yorkers so everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
Among the recipients are organizations such as Adirondack Health Institute (serving rural residents in several northern counties), Bay Ridge Center (focusing on older adults in Kings County), Buffalo City School District Adult Education Division (providing training and device lending in Western NY), Fifth Avenue Committee (expanding programs across multiple regions), Housing Works (improving health literacy), Literacy West NY (bringing mobile labs to rural areas), Sunset Park Health Council (advancing digital health equity), Syracuse Northeast Community Center (promoting regional empowerment), United Way of the Greater Capital Region (expanding device access), Westchester Library System (training navigators in libraries), SUNY Office of Higher Education in Prisons (offering micro-credential programs for incarcerated individuals), Digital and Media Services Center at OGS (developing an accessibility audit framework for state agencies), and Mohawk Networks (supporting grant writing for the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe).
The announcement comes as part of a broader effort led by Governor Hochul’s administration to expand broadband access statewide. Through ConnectALL—a multi-billion dollar initiative—New York is investing over $1 billion into upgrading its digital infrastructure. This includes programs such as:
– The Municipal Infrastructure Program: Over $285 million has been awarded for constructing municipal broadband networks with funding from the U.S. Department of Treasury under the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund.
– The Digital Equity Program: A planned investment of $50 million targets closing the state’s digital divide by improving literacy skills and facilitating affordable internet access.
– The Affordable Housing Connectivity Program: Using $100 million from federal sources to bring broadband infrastructure into affordable housing.
– The ConnectALL Deployment Program: With an allocation of $644.6 million in federal funding pending final approval, this program will extend internet service provider reach into underserved locations.
– The Connectivity Innovation Program: Designed to promote new technologies and business models within broadband delivery; application deadlines for some requests have recently closed or are approaching.
– Excelsior Broadband Network: Launching a new fiber line along the New York Thruway as part of a public network connecting assets statewide.
– Mobile Service Connectivity Initiative: Developing plans with stakeholders to address gaps in wireless coverage.
State Senator Kristen Gonzalez commented on these developments: “As the federal government continues to dilute our digital security I’m proud that New York is investing $7.4 million to advance digital equity. Expanding access to devices, improving online safety, and supporting individuals involved in the criminal justice system with digital skills are the work we need to be doing now. I look forward to continuing to partner with my colleagues in the legislature, other stakeholders, and the Governor to ensure we decrease the digital divide while protecting our residents.”
Assemblymember Steve Otis added: “This is an especially exciting announcement considering that New York State has stepped in with state funds to replace federal dollars unexpectedly blocked after Congress had already authorized funding for these digital capacity grants. As an advocate for needed digital equity and inclusion programs, I applaud Governor Hochul and our ConnectALL office for identifying and making state funds available to replace the blocked federal funding.”
Empire State Development serves as New York’s chief economic development agency promoting business growth statewide through initiatives like ConnectALL.
