Project Title:
The Suquamish Tribe of the Port Madison Reservation Broadband Adoption and Use Project
Project Purpose/Type:
This Broadband Use and Adoption Project proposes to improve community anchor institutions’ digital readiness and the development of workforce training and digital literacy programs aimed to increase digital inclusion among Tribal members. The implementation of this project will enable broadband adoption activities, including telehealth, distance learning, affordable broadband programs, workforce development, and digital inclusion efforts.
State(s):
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$1,093,384.80Federal Funding Request
The project will implement seven activities within the Tribal service area to address the lack of broadband access, service, or digital literacy:
- Deployment of an Enterprise Systems Management Portal for the Tribe;
- Hire a full-time Digital Literacy Specialist contractor position for the Chief Kitsap Academy to maintain network and broadband devices in addition to course instruction for students on digital literacy and workforce development skills;
- Upgrade the equipment and telecommunications systems at Chief Kitsap Academy and the Early Learning Center to facilitate digital inclusion activities;
- Procure and distribute equipment to provide five years of broadband service for 50 Tribal members within the service area that will enable access to distance learning and telehealth services;
- Provide training using the Enterprise Systems Management Portal to Tribal staff and Tribal community members on digital inclusion-related topics; and
- Conduct community needs surveys, gap assessments, and inventory broadband resources to identify additional needs of Tribal members and community anchor institutions.
The project’s expected outcome is to improve broadband access and service for all Tribal members. Tribal youth will gain digital literacy and workforce development skills while Tribal households will gain better access to telehealth services, distance learning, and workforce development programs.
This project is expected to benefit the entire Port Madison Indian Reservation with a resident population of 6,536 as stated by the applicant.