KINBER Receives PBDA Grant to Expand Digital Access Through Laptop Distribution and Community Hubs

KINBER is pleased to announce it has received a COVID-19 ARPA Digital Technology Connectivity Technology Program grant from the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA). The grant will provide 200 laptops which KINBER will distribute to community partner organizations in underserved communities throughout the state, with a focus on reaching those most impacted by a lack of digital access. KINBER’s initiative aligns with the Digital Connectivity Technology Program’s goals of advancing equitable access to technology and digital opportunity. 

“This grant is a powerful step forward in empowering these communities to thrive in the digital world,” said Nathan Flood, President and CEO of KINBER. “The laptops provided through PBDA will allow us to directly support individuals and communities that have been left behind in the digital age.” 

The laptop award will support the expansion and impact of KINBER’s Digital Access and Support Hubs initiative, which empowers community partners with tools and support to expand internet access and digital skills training. The laptops will establish digital learning labs and laptop loan programs at local partner sites. These digital learning labs will serve as physical extensions of KINBER’s vision to bring innovative technology and digital resources directly to communities in need. The digital learning labs and laptop loan programs will support workforce development opportunities, improve access to education and employment resources, as well as health monitoring, and social services.  

“The KINBER Digital Access and Support Hubs initiative will play a vital role in supporting the strengthening of local economies and support systems,” Flood continued. “By combining laptop access with digital training and internet connectivity, we’re fostering a more complete approach to digital opportunity.” 

KINBER will begin distributing the laptops to community partner organizations this fall and will be identifying additional local partners for future distributions. The first group of partners includes Sarah Stewart Bovard Memorial Library (Forest County), The Green Free Library (Tioga County), Huntingdon County Library (Huntingdon County), and Factory Ministries (Lancaster County). 

About KINBER 
KINBER works with communities, governments, businesses, schools, and nonprofits to get more people online and drive sustainable innovation, creating more opportunities and improving quality of life for all. KINBER is a Pennsylvania nonprofit whose mission is to equip people with the skills, devices and access they need to thrive in the digital world.  

Media Contact: 
Sharon Greelish Cody 
Director of Advancement - KINBER 
sgcody@KINBER.org  
www.KINBER.org