Bridging the Digital Divide: Real-World Impacts from CPUC Grantees

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October 23, 2025 - 

On Sept. 18, 2025, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) approved four new grants totaling $199,431 from the Digital Divide Account to help close the digital divide in low-income urban and rural communities across California.

Each of these grants represents more than a financial investment, they are a bridge to opportunity. The funds support schools and help students, families, and seniors gain access to digital tools like computers, textbooks, and technology trainings necessary to thrive in today’s connected world. 

 

Here’s how this funding is making a difference in California communities:

 

Cyber-Seniors

Serving 300 seniors in Los Angeles

Parent Institute for Quality Education

Serving 300 students in Fresno and the Central Valley

Parent Institute for Quality Education Serving 300 students in Fresno and the Central Valley “With the CPUC’s support, the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) will help hundreds of Central Valley families gain the digital tools and skills they need to thrive. This investment brings us closer to a future where every family, regardless of ZIP code or income, can access learning, opportunity, and connection through technology.” - Stephanie De Anda, Director of Philanthropy

California Emerging Technology Fund

Serving 307 students at Cesar E. Chavez Middle School in Planada

California Emerging Technology Fund Serving 307 students at Cesar E. Chavez Middle School in Planada “CETF, through the CPUC Digital Divide Grant and its School2Home program, will provide digital devices, online literacy resources, and capacity-building support to newcomer sixth-grade students who face unique language and literacy challenges. The funding also will support teachers and parents in using technology to strengthen communication, digital literacy, and family engagement at Cesar E. Chavez Middle School in Planada, California.” - Raquel Cinat, Associate Vice President

Montague Charter Academy for the Arts and Sciences

Serving 125 students in Pacoima

Montague Charter Academy for the Arts and Sciences Serving 125 students in Pacoima “Receiving this grant is a transformative opportunity for our school, empowering us to provide LTE-enabled computers to underserved and academically struggling students. This vital support not only enhances learning outcomes but also uplifts our entire community by bridging the digital divide and fostering educational equity for those who need it most.” - Salvador Torres, Tech Coordinator

About the Digital Divide Grant Program

The Digital Divide Grant Program is funded through revenues generated by lease agreements for wireless telecommunications facilities on state-owned property. Each year, the CPUC awards up to $200,000 to community-based organizations and schools that offer digital inclusion solutions ranging from broadband connections and hardware to digital literacy workshops and teacher training.

The program prioritizes low-income communities, requiring schools to have at least 50 percent of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals, and community-based organizations to demonstrate a track record of digital inclusion work.

Why This Matters

Closing the digital divide isn’t just about technology, it’s about people. These grants help make sure that:

  • A child can complete homework at home instead of falling behind.

  • A parent can take online classes to build new skills for a better job.

  • A grandparent can connect with family or schedule a telehealth appointment.

 

The CPUC’s ongoing commitment to Broadband for All means ensuring that every Californian, regardless of where they live or how much they earn, has the opportunity to fully participate in the digital world. Through programs like the Digital Divide Grant Program, the CPUC continues to invest in community-driven solutions that make a real difference, one household, one student, and one connection at a time.

By Taseen Shamim, Public Information Officer

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