The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) announced the distribution of nearly 27,000 internet-enabled devices through the Connected and Online Program to improve quality of life for Massachusetts residents by providing access to essential services and resources online.

Funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, the Connected and Online Program is a $28.5 million initiative that will provide Massachusetts-based organizations with 26,368 devices, including laptops, tablets and desktop computers. In addition, more than 20,000 pieces of supporting equipment including monitors, assistive technology and remote patient monitoring tools will be made accessible to more than 200 of these organizations statewide, including nonprofits, hospitals, libraries, and elder and youth aid organizations. Devices will be used in public spaces such as schools, libraries and learning centers, or incorporated into free-to-borrow lending programs.

The Connected and Online Program is designed to increase access to education, workforce development and health care services with a particular focus on Gateway Cities and rural communities.  Devices will be offered through lending programs or at locations accessible to the public. Organizations will conduct public outreach to notify people of opportunities to borrow and use devices.

The full list of awardees is available on the MBI Connected & Online Program webpage and includes aging services organizations and councils on aging. The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative connected partners that were successful awardees to serve and support digital equity among older adults.