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Library receives grant for affordable connectivity program training

By Staff Report, posted Aug 24, 2023 on BizFayetteville.com

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The Cumberland County Public Library received $1,500 in grant funds from the Public Library Association this year to conduct workshops using the new DigitalLearn Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Basics training materials, developed in collaboration with AT&T. 

The CCPL is among 50 public libraries nationwide to be awarded this funding. Library staff members will use the funds to present workshops at several of the library’s eight locations and promote the program in local media.

The ACP, from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) helps families and households with affordable internet service. In collaboration with AT&T, the PLA developed the ACP Basics digital course and workshop materials to help  families and households identify the information they need to apply for the program, how to apply for the program, and how to use the benefit.

According to 2021 U.S. Census figures, 13 percent of Cumberland County households are without a broadband connection, and estimates are that most of those households qualify for the ACP. 

“Connectivity to reliable, affordable internet is critical for access to many services and information,” said Library Director Faith Phillips in a press release. “We are excited to continue to bridge the digital divide in our community.”   

The Affordable Connectivity Program Basics course and more digital literacy resources are freely available in English and Spanish through AT&T ScreenReady and PLA’s DigitalLearn.org. Digital Navigators at CCPL will help attendees use these resources in several upcoming workshops. Dates and locations for the workshops will be announced in September.

AT&T launched AT&T Connected Learning as part of a companywide $2 billion commitment from 2021 – 2023 to address the digital divide. AT&T Connected Learning invests in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions. 

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