LANSING, Mich. \u2014 The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) awarded nearly $10.6M to 13 organizations who will serve as regional hubs providing digital skills training, device distribution programs, online accessibility, access to affordable broadband service and other activities.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we expand access to affordable, fast internet, we connect Michiganders with jobs, healthcare, education, opportunity, and so much more,\u201d said\u00a0Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. \u201cToday\u2019s announcement of $10.6 million in grants to 13 organizations will help more Michiganders access the tools they need to thrive in a digital world. We are committed to bringing resources to bear and making historic investments across Michigan to ensure that no matter where someone lives or works, they can access high speed internet and reach their full potential.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Michigan Inclusive Training, Technology and Equity Network (MITTEN) program aims to bridge the digital divide by establishing regional resource hubs to provide essential support for digital inclusion. The initiative is rooted in community input gathered during a statewide MI Connected Future listening tour and is designed to equip Michiganders with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in a connected world. \u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are dedicated to making Michigan a place where all residents can reach their full potential,\u201d said Labor and Economic Opportunity Director\u00a0Susan Corbin. \u201cMichiganders need both access to high-speed internet and the devices and skills to do so. The MIHI team is working across the state with these selected organizations to help make Michigan more prosperous for all.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The selected organizations, listed by\u00a0prosperity regions<\/a>, are:\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 1c: Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District ($857,909)\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 2: Grow Benzie ($857,870)\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 3: Northeast Michigan Consortium ($446,023)\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 4a: Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency ($857,909)\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 4b: West Michigan Works! ($857,908)\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 5: Central Michigan University ($854,304)\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 6: Regents of the University of Michigan \u2013 Flint ($746,405)\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 7: Ingham County ($857,909)\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 8: Southwest Michigan Planning Commission ($857,909)\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 9: Southeast Michigan Community Alliance ($857,909)\u00a0<\/p>\n Region 10: Tejara ($820,080)\u00a0<\/p>\n Detroit: United Way of Southeastern Michigan ($857,909)\u00a0<\/p>\n Grand Rapids: Hispanic Center of Western Michigan ($857,909)\u00a0<\/p>\n MIHI is committed to addressing any gaps in coverage through a third round of applications in the near future. The 13 hub organizations were awarded as subgrantees for the MITTEN program to support implementation of the Michigan Digital Equity Plan<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n