With $2.2 million in federal funding in its pocket, Virginia State University is ready to invest in broadband improvements across its campus. As The Progress-Index reports, the university is committed to improving connectivity for both students and nearby residents.
“It is essential to economic development, educational advancement, job attainment, and general health and well-being,” Dr. Dawit Haile, dean of the VSU College of Engineering and Technology, said in the statement. “Since access inequality is correlated to income inequality, any successful broadband expansion effort will address both access and affordability.” Haile was instrumental in pursuing the Broadband Improvement Project and will help guide the installation process.
VSU’s Assistant Vice President for Government Relations, Eldon Burton, stated that the funding will allow the university to “continue to bridge the gap for our community and our students.” The college has noted that 69 percent of their student population comes from lower income communities, and many are first generation college attendees. Providing the best possible learning environment with digital resources that may not have been available at home is a priority for the university, officials said. VSU intends to add “high quality and consistent quick access” via both hard-wired and WiFi systems as well as enabling 5G access for its students.
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