New York investing $7.4M to strengthen digital literacy

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Empire State Development announced Friday that $7.4 million has bee awarded to 13 organizations across New York State to help strengthen digital literacy, skills and accessibly statewide.

RELATED: Advertisers must now disclose AI content in New York

One of the organizations, The Buffalo City School District Adult Education Division, will be receiving $736,587 to provide digital literacy and cybersecurity training to Buffalo Public Schools students and the surrounding community. It will also help establish a device lending library, implement refurbished device policy, and delivering comprehensive staff training.

“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.”

In total, the Digital Equity Program Grants will provide $7,431,884 to the following organizations:

• Adirondack Health Institute, Inc. (North Country) – $750,000
• Bay Ridge Center, Inc. (New York City) – $289,850
• Buffalo City School District Adult Education Division (Western NY) – $736,587
• Fifth Avenue Committee, Inc. (Capital Region, Long Island, Mid-Hudson, New York City) – $514,694
• Housing Works, Inc. (New York City) – $749,998
• Literacy West NY, Inc. (Finger Lakes, Western NY) – $644,230
• Sunset Park Health Council, Inc. (New York City) – $666,711
• Syracuse Northeast Community Center, Inc. (Central NY) – $750,000
• United Way of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. (Capital Region) – $539,813
• Westchester Library System (Mid-Hudson) – $750,000
• State University of New York (SUNY) Office of Higher Education in Prisons – $500,000
• Digital and Media Services Center, Office of General Services – $500,000
• Mohawk Networks – $40,000