The University of the Virgin Islands was awarded $2.9 million from the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program (CMC) on Feb. 27 2023. The program is run by the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and is part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Internet for All initiative.
The University of the Virgin Islands' “UVI Technology Innovations: Expanding Network Capacity and Resilience to Foster Creativity, Enhance Cybersecurity, and Improve Access To Resources For Learning" project aims to achieve broadband and IT infrastructure improvements and implement unique innovations in teaching strategies and resources to engage students effectively.
The project activities include the replacement of fiber optic cable for faster data transmission speeds and more robust bandwidth; the replacement of routers to address faulty electronics that are points of failure; the commissioning of architectural drawings of residential facilities for optimizing placement of Wi-Fi access points; and the creation of a pilot community cloud to ensure that students and faculty using the specialized lab environment remain connected for teaching and learning during the intermittent power grid and service provider disruptions common to the USVI Territory.
“As the only HBCU located outside of the mainland U.S., connecting our community with the world is vital to achieving our operational and educational mission,” said UVI President Dr. David Hall. “This award will address one of our most compelling priorities. I applaud our Vice President of Information Services and Institutional Assessment, Sharlene Harris, for her innovative spirit which has led our university to this significant accomplishment.”
The University of the Virgin Islands is one of 61 minority-serving colleges and universities receiving grants today totaling $175 million.
