The Vermont Department of Libraries announced today that they have submitted an application for $601,753 in federal grant funds from the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act Broadband Opportunities Program for Public Computing Centers. The proposal was designed through a partnership with the Vermont State Colleges.
The Department of Libraries say that they would use the grant money to enhance public computing centers in the public libraries of Brattleboro, Lyndon, and Rutland, and provide free computer classes at VSC and public library locations across the state. The money would also fund the deployment of mobile laptop labs in four rural counties to be used by 61 public libraries for computer training courses and public access.
According the Department of Libraries, a successful grant award, coupled with $152,724 in matching funds, would purchase new computers, pay instructors to develop and teach classes, and support student interns for one-on-one assistance to library patrons. The grant awards will be announced in November.
If we get this grant, wrote Martha Reid, State Librarian, thousands of Vermonters will have access to free computer training at a variety of locations around the state and four of our busiest public libraries will be able to purchase additional computers for public use.
Karrin Wilks, Senior Vice President of the VSC, added that the internship component will allow our students to gain valuable skills linked to future employment as well as contribute in meaningful ways to their local communities. Wilks said that the grant was specially designed to serve the state's most vulnerable populations, including the unemployed, the underemployed, immigrants who need improved English skills, and the disabled.
Source: VT Department of Libraries