As the Brainerd Dispatch reports…

The Minnesota Department of Education is now accepting applications for the Broadband Expansion Off-Campus Learning Grant Program. …

The program has two parts. Part A projects support wireless off-campus learning through a student’s use of a data card, USB modem, or other mobile broadband device. This funding supports student access to learning materials available on the internet through a mobile broadband connection. Applications must describe their approach for identifying and prioritizing access for low-income students and may include a description of local or private matching grants or in-kind contributions.

Part B projects focus on school bus internet access. School districts that qualify for general education transportation sparsity revenue may apply for a school bus internet access grant as part of the overall application process.

Qualifying school districts may use Part B funds to purchase or lease equipment designed to make internet access available on school buses, including routers and mobile Wi-Fi hot spots to connect to the internet, and may also make available one-to-one devices for students.

The Minnesota Department of Education and Office of Broadband will co-host a webinar at 2 p.m. Aug. 18 on the Internet Broadband Expansion for Students initiative. Go to https://intercall.webex.com/intercall for the webinar link. The meeting number is 593-256-492 and the webinar meeting password is K12Wireless. To connect by phone through a toll-free conference call, dial 888-742-5095. Follow instructions, then enter this conference code: 3249482049.

Grant applications must be received by (not postmarked by) 3:30 p.m. Sept. 9. For more information, contact Jennifer Nelson at jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us or 651-582-8791 or Lueck at rep.dale.lueck@house.mn or 218-927-2495.