Biden Administration Touts Broadband Expansion in South Carolina

Strategic Insights -

As Democrats focus on the early-voting state for the 2024 presidential primary, Vice President Kamala Harris has promoted the administration's efforts to improve high-speed internet access, particularly at historically Black colleges and institutions (HBCUs).

During a visit to South Carolina, Harris highlighted the over $175 million invested in improving high-speed internet infrastructure at HBCUs, which she described as "centers of academic excellence." Harris emphasized the importance of reliable internet access for students, enabling them to use the internet for their everyday needs. The efforts are aimed at closing the digital divide in South Carolina, where 12% of students lack access to broadband internet, according to Roslyn Clark Artis, CEO and President of Benedict College.

Benedict is one of the HBCUs receiving funding to improve its internet infrastructure, with a $2.85 million grant to purchase upgraded technology, including laptops and hotspots for students. The college will also create a community computer lab, providing access to dozens of computers and various programs to help individuals upscale, learn a new trade, or get a job in the technology sector.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Biden administration has invested over $175 million in improving high-speed internet infrastructure at historically Black colleges and institutions (HBCUs) in South Carolina.
  • The initiative aims to close the digital divide in the state, where 12% of students lack access to broadband internet.
  • Benedict College will receive a $2.85 million grant to improve its internet infrastructure, including purchasing laptops and hotspots for students and creating a community computer lab.
  • The college's community computer lab will have dozens of computers and various programs to help individuals upscale, learn a new trade, or get a job in the technology sector.
  • Vice President Kamala Harris has promoted the administration's efforts to improve high-speed internet access in South Carolina.
  • The state has been acknowledge as a pivotal role in the presidential primary, given its heavily Black Democratic electorate.
  • Democrats' national attention is focused on South Carolina, with the state's Democratic Party already selling buttons, mugs, and apparel flaunting the state's new status as a key presidential voting state.
  • The Republican candidate field is also focused on South Carolina, with former President Donald Trump, former Gov. Nikki Haley, and Sen. Tim Scott considering bids.

Statistics:

  • The Biden administration has invested over $175 million in improving high-speed internet infrastructure at HBCUs in South Carolina.
  • 12% of students in South Carolina lack access to broadband internet.
  • Benedict College will receive a $2.85 million grant to improve its internet infrastructure.
  • The college's community computer lab will have dozens of computers.

Sources:

  • WLTX: "Vice President Kamala Harris promotes Biden administration's broadband expansion in South Carolina"
  • The Associated Press: "AP-NORC poll: Only 37% of Democrats want Biden to seek second term"
  • The White House: "Biden Administration Announces Investments in Broadband Expansion"
  • South Carolina Democratic Party: "South Carolina Democrats Pick Winners"