About TOP

The Department of Commerce's Technology Opportunities Program (TOP) supports demonstrations of how new telecommunications and information technologies can provide educational, health care, or public information in the public and non-profit sectors. As part of the Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), TOP gives grants for model projects demonstrating innovative uses of network technologies. TOP evaluates and actively shares the lessons learned from these projects to ensure the benefits are broadly distributed across the country.

TOP makes matching grants to state, local and tribal governments, non-profit health care providers, schools, libraries, public safety providers, and non-profit community-based, faith-based organizations, national organizations and associations, museums, colleges, universities, or other providers of social services. TOP projects demonstrate how digital networks support lifelong learning for all Americans, help public safety officials protect the public, assist in the delivery of health care and public health services, and foster communication, resource-sharing, and economic development. To date, TOP has awarded 610 grants, in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, totaling $233.5 million and leveraging $313.7 million in local matching funds. By serving as models that can be replicated in similar communities across the country, TOP projects extend their benefits far beyond the communities in which they take place, benefitting the entire country.

By working closely with its grantees, TOP has accumulated a significant body of knowledge about the creation and management of information technology applications.

See also TOP's News from the Field for news and information about TOP grantees.

See also NTIA Press Releases for additional informationand updates on NTIA and TOP activities.