After the federal government canceled a major grant program over the summer, Pennsylvania digital equity orgs are struggling to stay afloat. The now-terminated $2.75 billion Digital Equity Act (DEA) would’ve distributed millions of dollars to Pennsylvania, helping to provide access to the internet, devices and digital skills programming. With that lifeline gone, advocates are scrapping plans to expand their digital access work. Despite setbacks, digital equity advocates are still committed to working together to close the digital divide, Jennifer Blatz, program director for the Greater Pittsburgh Digital Inclusion Alliance, said. They stay connected through the Keystone Internet Coalition, which formed under a different name in 2023 to ensure that Pennsylvania orgs were working together to apply for federal funding. Even though the DEA grants are gone, the group is still looking into alternative funding sources, advocating for affordable internet, and brainstorming future collaborations, said Kate Rivera, executive director of the Philly-based Technology Learning Collaborative. Finding funding requires the explanation of affordability, device access and digital literacy skills, she said. In other words, people can’t get online if they don’t know how to use the internet, can’t afford it or don’t have the right tech.

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