Technology permeates everyday life, from paying bills and job hunting to earning degrees online. Digital connectivity bridges distances, allowing family connections across continents. Without these resources, life quality and future opportunities would diminish significantly. A $746,000 grant now positions the University of Michigan-Flint as a pivotal partner in equipping underserved communities with technology access and training.
UM-Flint’s Office of Economic Development (OED) will spearhead efforts in Michigan’s Prosperity Region 6, including Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, St. Clair, Sanilac, Shiawassee, and Tuscola counties, as the regional hub for the Michigan Inclusive Training Technology and Equity Network (MITTEN). This initiative, led by the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office and funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Digital Equity Act, seeks to enhance the Michigan Digital Equity Plan by promoting digital inclusion through coordinated regional efforts, training, and support for underserved areas.
The $746,405 grant, awarded through a competitive process, empowers institutions to become regional hubs by offering digital skills training, device distribution, and affordable internet services. Funds will support community research for digital access and focused grants to assist community partners essential to MITTEN resources.
Nas
“Closing the digital divide includes many factors: reliable internet, access to technology, and digital literacy,” said Paula Nas, UM-Flint OED director. “UM-Flint’s MITTEN programming emphasizes digital literacy training to equip individuals with essential tech skills. As a higher education institution, we’re grateful to offer diverse digital skills training to residents of all ages.”
OED plans to digitize its suite of educational materials in digital finance, entrepreneurship, and economics to broaden statewide availability. A regional digital coordinator will be hired through the American Connected Corps to assess and address regional digital literacy needs.
MITTEN’s efforts extend beyond OED. The Center on Aging will leverage MITTEN funding to enhance research on digital accessibility for seniors. “The MITTEN grant will support the UM-Flint Digital Divide research team in teaching seniors optimal internet use,” said Sheryl Groden, assistant professor of social work and co-chair of the Center on Aging. “The team, comprising faculty from social work, occupational therapy, and public health, has worked with older adults in Genesee County, and the grant allows training expansion to six additional counties in Michigan.”
Nas stressed the importance of partnerships, allocating over half of the funding to community and campus organizations. UM-Flint’s Center on Aging and GST Michigan Works! will utilize MITTEN funding to expand digital literacy training in the Flint region’s America’s Job Centers. “Many funds have been allocated to collaborate with community organizations to address the digital skills gap,” said Nas.
For more information on MITTEN, visit Michigan’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity website.
—
Read More Michigan News
