Broadband Technical Assistance Opportunity for Appalachian Communities  

Connect Humanity was awarded $6.3 million through the Appalachian Regional Commission’s ARISE program (Appalachian Regional Initiative for Stronger Economies) to provide technical assistance to 12 Appalachian states, including Pennsylvania. Connect Humanity is a 501(C)(3) organization committed to advancing connectivity through grants, impact investments, and technical support to underserved communities.  

Connect Humanity’s project, “Preparing Appalachian Communities for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) and Digital Equity Act (DEA)” will be identifying up to 50 communities across ARC’s geographic footprint, supporting them through the creation of Digital Equity Master Plans, and working with them to submit BEAD and DEA applications.   

Townships within a county listed in the Local Development District Network area are eligible to apply through April 30, 2023, via the online application form. Questions regarding this opportunity can be directed to Jennifer Lench, Program Manager for the State ARC office, at jlench@pa.gov.