Pioneers of Change at Universidad Ana G. Mendez, Carolina Campus

October 3, 2024

By: Shirley "Mel" Reyes Moret, Federal Program Officer, Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program

NTIA celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month by showcasing one of our Internet for All grantees that embodies this year's theme: "Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together." At Universidad Ana G. Méndez, Carolina Campus (UAGM-CC) principal investigator and agent of change Dr. Luis Rosario-Albert leads the effort to connect Carolina County, Puerto Rico residents to Internet services and digital skills training through the UAGCM-CC Broadband Digital Inclusion Project (BDIP).

Carolina County, the third-largest county in Puerto Rico, has faced significant economic and technological challenges in recent years. The county had a 2023 unemployment rate of 52.1% and a median household income of $35,391 - well below the national median of $80,610. Additionally, only 59.3% of county residents owned a desktop computer or laptop. These harsh realities drove Dr. Rosario-Albert to assess the educational and technological resources in the county's three community centers, where he discovered that none had an active Internet service subscription.

UAGM-CC utilized over $1.5 million from NTIA's Connecting Minority Communities (CMC) Pilot Program to address the digital needs of its students and the Carolina County community. Led by Dr. Rosario-Albert, BDIP partnered with the county's three community centers to create a network that fosters collaboration with local leaders, librarians, and government officials.

"With this project, we are learning more about the everyday realities and challenges of two populations: adults over 65 years old, and university students. Every day these groups face the hardships of the digital divide. Despite their multiple differences, our digital inclusion project enhances their well-being and our quest to support them in their challenges."

Dr. Luis Rosario-Albert, Principal Investigator, UAGM-CC

Colleges and universities like UAGM-CC and other Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) play an essential role in serving Hispanic communities, including first-generation college students. Though HSIs make up only 20% of higher education institutions, they serve 65% of all Hispanic students. In addition to traditional coursework, these institutions provide access to digital devices, resources, and workshops - benefitting both students and the wider community. UAGM-CC's BDIP is making a difference in Carolina County by offering digital literacy and cybersecurity classes to UAGM students and local residents, helping them engage fully in the digital world. UAGM-CC also hosted four public workshops on critical topics like digital skills, telehealth, and remote education.

UAGM-CC's program also prepares students for the modern workforce. In October 2023, 20 students began receiving stipends of up to $4,000 each to pursue cybersecurity certifications. The stipends may be used for tuition, transportation, materials, or equipment, which helps students focus primarily on their studies. Since implementing the stipends, UAGM-CC has achieved a 100% retention rate in its Cybersecurity Program and is on track for a 100% completion rate. Of the 20 students, eight have graduated, with the remaining 12 set to graduate in December. One of the stipend recipients, John, notes that he "…see[s] this stipend as a benefit and a motivation to study. I will buy new technological equipment to continue practicing." BDIP is a great example of how HSIs empower students and their communities by expanding digital access and opportunities."

"I feel very grateful, because it can help me get to the institution and be able to pay for the different cybersecurity workshops."

Juan Karlos, a student of UAGM-CC's Cybersecurity Program and stipend recipient

As we honor National Hispanic Heritage Month, NTIA celebrates the transformative work of HSIs like UAGM-CC and innovators such as Dr. Luis Rosario-Albert, who are creating a lasting, sustainable impact for future generations. We also recognize pioneers like Juan Karlos and John, whose pursuit of careers that strengthen our digital infrastructure embodies their commitment to an inclusive digital future. By shaping the lives of their students, UAGM-CC is building a stronger, more resilient community in Carolina County, Puerto Rico, and beyond.

To learn more about NTIA and what other CMC Pilot Program grant recipients are doing in their communities, visit the BroadbandUSA website.