Warner & Kaine Announce $10.5 Million in Federal Funding to Promote Digital Equity in Virginia

WASHINGTON –  Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) announced$10,500,000in federal funding for the Virginia Department of Education to promote digital equity across Virginia. This funding was made possible by theBipartisan Infrastructure Law, which both senators helped pass. It was awarded through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program.
“We are proud to have helped pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which continues to deliver for Virginians,”the senators said. “We are glad that this federal funding will help close the digital divide and help ensure all Virginians have the resources and digital skills to fully take advantage of the opportunities high-speed internet provides.”
Specifically, the funding will be used to support Digital Navigators, who are trained staff that work across Virginia to help individuals access the internet, find devices, and learn crucial digital skills.
Sens. Warner and Kaine have long worked to expand broadband access and promote digital equity. This announcement complements$18.3 million provided to Virginialast month through the Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, which also works to help close the digital divide and was made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
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