HUNTSVILLE – Helping to ensure its students aren’t stranded along the digital highway, Drake State Community and Technical College is supplying them with internet-enabled laptops.

Through grants from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), Drake State is implementing a  computer and broadband access program.

Drake State was awarded a $2.4 million grant to implement the NTIA’s Connecting Minority Communities Pilot program. It is designed to eliminate historical broadband and computer access inequities in and around Madison County.

“This incredible achievement will give students the tools to excel in their academic pursuits and future vocations,” said Drake State Director of Grants and Sponsored Programs Dr. Marina Kingsbury. “This program is a pivotal step toward eliminating inequality and guaranteeing that technology is accessible to all.

“As the first Historically Black Community College to receive this grant, Drake State takes great pride in its ability to help its students through this initiative.”