Digital divide grants awarded to nonprofits, universities - tech briefs - Brief Article

Black Issues in Higher Education, Oct 24, 2002 by Ronald Roach

WASHINGTON

In late September, the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the award of $12.4 million in Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) grants to 25 nonprofit organizations, including state and local governments and universities, in 19 states and the District of Columbia.

Universities receiving TOP awards were University of California-Los Angeles, Indiana University, Eastern Michigan University, New York University and the University of Pittsburgh.

The program received 741 applications for FY2002 funds. TOP grants, matched by $13.6 million in contributions from the private sector and state and local organizations, are awarded to projects that demonstrate how information technology can address public concerns over areas such as housing, safety, economic development and e-government.

For details on the awards, please access the TOP Web site: <www.ntia.doc.gov/otia-home/ top/index.html>