Bridging Colorado’s Digital Divide

The Colorado State Library, with support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, was awarded a grant for federal stimulus money on behalf of 83 communities in Colorado.

This grant, totaling $3.3 million including 32% match has funded computers, training, partnerships and a public awareness campaign to develop or augment Public Computer Centers in public libraries and Tribal centers. Coloradans in need of computer training and assistance with education, work force, health, and other support have received support through these public computing centers. We have prioritized ADA compliance, low income and diverse populations.

Public Computer Center launch at
Pueblo City-County Library District, 10/1/11.

Public Computer Center launch festivities at
Nucla Public Library, 7/6/11.

Participating Libraries, Museums and Tribes

• Launch events
• Participating libraries, museums and tribes (PDF)
  Participating libraries serve communities that have high
  poverty, ethnic diversity, and/or low broadband penetration.
• Participating libraries, museums and tribes use of grant funds (PDF)

Grant Information

• Colorado BTOP Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Infographics
• Equipment details and cost by participating library (XLS)
• ADA compliant workstation components & estimates (PDF)
• Timeline
• Grant application (PDF)
• Related resources

Partners and Support

• Press release from the Office of the Governor
• Partners (PDF)
  Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, statewide and local
• Letters of Support:

  Governor Ritter's Highly Recommended letter to the NTIA (PDF)

  Over 170 letters of support from throughout Colorado including Governor Ritter, Senator Udall, Representatives DeGette, Polis, Salazar, town and county agencies, local non-profits, regional work force centers, school districts and individuals
  Support letters part 1 (PDF)
  Support letters part 2 (PDF)