Boscola Announces Two Northampton County Non-Profits to receive 80 Laptop Computers through Digital Connectivity Technology Program

Boscola Announces Two Northampton County Non-Profits to receive 80 Laptop Computers through Digital Connectivity Technology Program

November 21, 2024

BETHLEHEM (November 21, 2024) - Senator Lisa M. Boscola (D-Northampton) announced today that Women of Excellence Bethlehem and the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity have been awarded laptop computers by the PA Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program (DCTP).

"In today's world access to appropriate technology such as laptops is crucial for our citizens to further their education, seek workforce training and to seek necessary health care," Senator Boscola stated. "Through the Digital Connectivity Technology program, the Commonwealth is providing access to this technology through the awards to Women of Excellence Bethlehem and the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity."

Today's awards by the PA Broadband Development Authority will provide Women of Excellence Bethlehem 50 laptops and the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity 30 laptops.

"Women of Excellence Bethlehem, would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to the PA Broadband Development Authority for the award of this needed technology," Dr. Enid P. Jackson, CEO of Women of Excellence Bethlehem said. "These laptops will allow us to better serve children, families and our community. We believe unity generates a higher productivity in any community."

"The thirty new laps received from the Capital Project Fund Digital Connectivity Technology Program will have a significant and positive impact on the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity's service area," stated Holly Bennett, Executive Director of the Memorial Library of Nazareth and Vicinity. "The new technology will enable our organization to address the critical issue of limited digital access, which currently hinders digital literacy and access to vital information. With this support, we will be able to grow our partnership with the Northampton County Digital Navigation Coalition by offering learning opportunities to help bridge the digital divide in our community. This collaboration will empower individuals to better navigate the digital world, enhancing their personal, educational, and professional opportunities."

The Digital Connectivity Technology Program provides laptops to non-profits, community anchor institutions, and governments who will then loan or make the laptops available to Pennsylvanians to improve education, workforce development, health, and employment outcomes.

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA), created by Act 96 of 2021, is an independent agency of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). PBDA is responsible for creating a statewide broadband plan and distributing federal and state monies for broadband expansion projects in unserved and underserved areas of Pennsylvania. The Authority focuses on closing Pennsylvania's digital divide so all residents can get connected to affordable and reliable high-speed broadband internet at home, at work, or on the road.

###