Forbes reintroduces legislation to close the digital divide at Minority-Serving Institutions
February 18, 2005
Washington, D.C. - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) reintroduced legislation yesterday which addresses the technology gap that exists at many Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in the nation. The Minority Serving Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act of 2005, H.R 921, would establish a new grant program to provide up to $250 million to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, and Tribal Colleges bridge the digital divide.
"Many Historically Black Colleges and Universities, such as Virginia State University in Petersburg, do not have access to the equipment and infrastructure available at their higher education counterparts," Forbes said. "Bridging this gap will not only increase the number of technology-skilled students educated in our nation's colleges, but will increase the number of math & science students we turn out, one of the essential drivers of American advancement and innovation."
Forbes' legislation is designed to strengthen and upgrade the technological infrastructure at Minority-Serving Institutions, enabling these institutions to offer students the same access that students at other institutions of higher learning have.
"Full access to technology is a standard component of success in today's business world," said Forbes. "Integrating technology into our nation's MSIs will strengthen the overall workforce and allow students from Minority-Serving Institutions to compete equally with students from other universities to qualify for America's best paying jobs."
Through the grant program established in this legislation, Minority-Serving Institutions would be able to purchase much-needed digital and wireless network technologies and infrastructure equipment for campus wiring, equipment upgrades and hardware/software. Funding would also enable these institutions to provide technology education services - including faculty and teacher education; offer its students universal access to campus networks; dramatically increase their connectivity rates; and make necessary infrastructure improvements.
Senator George Allen of Virginia is also reintroducing companion legislation in the Senate. During the 108th Congress, similar legislation was passed in the Senate, and out of the House Science Committee, but did not reach the floor of the House for a vote.
http://www.house.gov/forbes/newsroom/pressreleases/2005/02182005.htm