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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT:
Brad Williams (785) 296-3421 bwilliams@ksbor.org

Kansas Schools, Colleges, Hospitals and Libraries Awarded More Than $700,000 For Assistance With Broadband Internet Connectivity

Topeka, Kan. (July 20, 2004) – Kan-ed, the technology networking initiative for Kansas, has announced grant awards under its Broadband Subsidy Program. Grants of up to $4,000 will be issued to 356 Kansas school districts, higher learning institutions, libraries and hospitals, in 99 counties statewide, in early August.

The purpose of Kan-ed’s Broadband Subsidy Program is to help grant recipients upgrade to high-speed Internet access. Increased broadband speeds will allow institutions to make full use of the content and services available through the Kan-ed network, including online databases, video conferencing and other resources to help improve information delivery, education, research and health care throughout Kansas. "Grants awarded through this program are helping build the technological foundation for the future of Kansas," said Hal Gardner, Kan-ed’s Executive Director. "Equal access to appropriate connectivity gives every school, library, hospital and institution of higher learning in the state the opportunity to benefit from the many resources available now and in the future." Broadband Subsidy Program Grants, a total of $770,000, were awarded based on completeness of application, relationship of the application to the Kan-ed mission and the date of submission.

About Kan-ed: Kan-ed was created by an act of the Kansas Legislature, signed into law by Governor Graves on April 20, 2001, and funded in January 2003. Kan-ed is a division of the Kansas Board of Regents. To help give Kansas a competitive advantage in the global marketplace, Kan-ed established three main objectives: First, it will build a private, secure network to which members (Kansas hospitals, K-12 schools, libraries, and higher education institutions) can connect for access to high-speed content and services and a stable platform for video conferencing and distance learning. Second, Kan-ed will provide members with subsidies to help reduce their fees for Internet 1 (commercial Internet) access from local providers. Kan-ed does not compete with local Internet service providers. Enhancing Technology Grants are also available to help members purchase equipment and services to connect to the Kan-ed network. Third, Kan-ed seeks quality content and services that enhance the private network and that Kan-ed members can utilize through their commercial or private Internet connection. The organization’s web site is www.kan-ed.org. For more information about Kan-ed or the technology grant program, please contact Brad Williams at 785-296-1862 or bwilliams@ksbor.org.

Complete listing of recipients by county (334 K)