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Managing America: Education

TheWeekInCongress.com (TM)

Week Ending September 7, 2007

H.R.694 To establish a digital and wireless network technology program, and for other purposes.

The Secretary of Commerce is directed to establish a program that would increase access to and application of digital and wireless services for minority serving educational institutions.

Specifically, the bill would benefit historically Black colleges and universities, tribal colleges and universities, Hispanic, native Alaskan and Native Hawaiian schools and schools addressing the needs of needy students.

Grants could be used to acquire equipment, and peripheral needs, develop and train students in those fields to increase the use of and usefulness of the technology, provide teacher training in the field, obtain capacity-building technical assistance, and foster the use of digital and wireless networking technology to improve research and education.

An advisory council is to be created to encourage maximum participation. The council will, to the extent possible, include representatives of minority businesses and eligible institutions. The council will review applications for the grants.

An institution that receives a grant in excess of $2.5 million will not be eligible for future grants. Assessment of the program will be done every three years with a report to Congress.

Sponsor:  Rep. Edolphus Towns (NY-10^th)

Vote: Passed House 331 to 59 September 5, 2007 RC 847

Cost to the taxpayers: $250 million for 2008, Future funding will be determine in the future.

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