GCC Set to Expand Digital Access Following Major State Grant Award

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Community College (GCC) announced it has been selected as a beneficiary of the Connected and Online Program, a statewide initiative led by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech). This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by distributing internet-enabled devices to essential community organizations across the Commonwealth.

Through this grant, GCC will receive a significant influx of technology to support its students, including 60 Dell laptops, 68 Dell Chromebooks, and 20 accessible keyboards and computer mice.

The Connected and Online Program is a $28.5 million initiative funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund. It is specifically designed to increase access to education, workforce development, and healthcare services with a particular focus on rural communities like those served by GCC.

“This grant allows us to expand our existing Technology Lending Library, which has been a game changer for our students,” said Liza Harrington, library director at Greenfield Community College. “By adding these devices to our inventory, we are significantly lowering the barriers to digital equity. Whether it’s a student needing a laptop for a remote course or a workforce student accessing career training, we now have the resources to meet those needs directly. These tools aren’t just hardware; they are pathways to opportunity.”

These new devices will be integrated into GCC’s tech lending library, which also includes Wi-Fi hotspots and other tech equipment, all of which bolster the college’s ability to provide equitable access to education. Additionally, they will help students access teletherapy services offered by GCC’s Wellness Center, as well as virtual appointments with GCC’s peer tutors, advisors, faculty, and more. By putting Dell devices directly into the hands of community members, GCC is opening new doors to career advancement, including specialized offerings like the free online AI training currently available through the Massachusetts AI Hub.

For more information about the program and the full list of awardees, visit broadband.masstech.org/connected-online.