Thank you for that introduction. And thank you to New York City Parks for hosting me here today. I’d like to also thank Representative Jones for joining me.

We have one overarching goal at the Commerce Department: to improve America’s competitiveness in every community so that our workers and companies of all sizes can succeed in the global economy. And equity underpins every aspect of what we do.

That starts with access to high-speed internet service. Unfortunately, more than 30 million Americans still don’t have reliable internet. But that’s about to change. President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a once-in-a-generation investment of $65 billion to bring high-speed internet to every American.

The Internet for All initiative will create opportunities, increase productivity, and improve the lives of Americans, particularly in communities that have too often been left behind.

The law also includes nearly $3 billion in funding for the Digital Equity Act, which is being used to promote digital inclusion and equity for communities that have been historically unserved or underserved when it comes to high-speed internet access.

We’ve also launched the Connecting Minority Communities Program, which is providing over $260 million to help Hispanic Serving Institutions, HBCUs, and tribal colleges and universities purchase broadband service and equipment, hire IT personnel, and create digital literacy programs.

These campuses are vital community centers that fuel job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. Today, we’re thrilled to be announcing five new grants through the program, totaling more than $10 million.

The five schools receiving funds are Diné College and Tohono O’odham Community College in Arizona, Drake State Community and Technical College in Alabama, Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology, and – excitingly – Mercy College here in New York.

Mercy College will receive more than $2.6 million dollars to provide students and community members with access to high-speed internet, devices to use it, and the online courses and support needed to use them effectively.

I’m also looking forward to hearing from you today, and how the Commerce Department can support you in your work on digital equity. If we work hard and work together, we will close the digital divide for good and increase the opportunity for everyone to succeed in the 21st century global economy.