Esperanza College of Eastern University, one of only two Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the state of Pennsylvania, will be the primary beneficiary of an award from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Connecting Minority Communities Grant program, for the Hope Digital Literacy initiative in North Philadelphia. On October 5th, 2022, the Biden Administration announced the $2,031,405.13 award to Eastern University, one of only five nationally.
The award will make it possible for Esperanza College, located in the heart of Hispanic North Philadelphia, to advance online learning in high growth and high demand industries, including early childhood education and eSports management, and resource a library that will serve as a digital skills and connectivity hub, staffed by a community digital specialist.
Funding will also be used to enhance neighborhood wide education, information; broadband Internet access; and one-on-one services to ensure that both students and residents within Hunting Park at large are effectively connected to internet to pursue education, workforce, and health related goals. The Hope Digital Skills initiative is expected to connect 2,000 people annually to digital tools and reach up to 50,000 with vital information.
“This award will bring vitally needed resources to North Philadelphia, expanding Esperanza’s longstanding work to build a physical ‘opportunity community’ – a place marked by quality schools, thriving businesses, a vibrant arts sector, and more – into a digital opportunity community,” said Dean Marilyn Marsh of Esperanza College. “Our college is a beacon of hope.”
“Eastern University is honored to receive this selective award and excited about the meaningful work that it will enable,” shared Eastern University President Ron Matthews. “Esperanza’s Hope Digital Literacy project will empower underserved populations in Philadelphia, providing significant access opportunities and facilitating important educational and vocational goals.»
Founded as a partnership of multi-services non-profit Esperanza and Eastern University in 2000, Esperanza College has produced nearly 1,000 graduates – the future leaders and agents of change. Together with the support of Esperanza’s local organizing teams and programs, Esperanza College will provide digital skills to the students and families that need them most.
“The changing economic and workforce landscape requires that individuals and families be connected to broadband and digital skillsets, moving past cell phones to open up new opportunities,” remarked Esperanza CEO Reverend Luis Cortes, Jr. “Our commitment has always been to empower our Hispanic community and others to access economic mobility – and to have the very best tools and education to control their own destinies. This award moves us forward.”
Eastern University, founded in 1925, is a nationally recognized, private Christian institution enrolling approximately 5,400 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. The University’s primary campus is in St. Davids, PA, with additional campuses in Harrisburg, Philadelphia, and online. Eastern has been ranked one of the Best Regional Universities in the North by the U.S. News and World Report for 2022-2023 and is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP). Eastern houses seven academic colleges and more than 130 programs that prepare graduates to impact the world through the University’s core values of faith, reason, and justice. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service-learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.
