Digital Connectivity Technology Program
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, working with the Capital Projects Fund, is participating in a $20 million federal funding effort to procure laptops and distribute them through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program for public-facing institutions such as libraries, community schools, municipalities, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and other community anchor institutions. Somerset County Library was chosen as a round two grant awardee. See the Round Two grant approvals list. Some of the awarded laptops will be used by Somerset County Library Digital Navigators in providing open computer labs and hands-on training opportunities. The remaining laptops will be loaned through the Work-School-Health Laptop Lending Program.
Work-School-Health LAPTOP LENDING PROGRAM Overview
- Laptops are owned and managed by Somerset County Library within Somerset County and nearby areas, where healthcare provider service areas, work, or educational endeavors may cross county lines.
- Laptops are configured with Kubuntu Linux ( not macOS or Windows ) and a Universal Desktop. Information about additional resources for Work, School, and/or Health purposes can be found on the Work/School/Health page.
- Laptops are specifically to be used for Work, School, and/or Health with skills assessments and training via the trusted SKILLUP PA/METRIX LEARNING and NORTHSTAR platforms; LEARNING EXPRESS LIBRARY skills development, test prep and tutorials for a variety of industry certifications and academic tests and additional supporting resources and tools; live 1:1 online tutoring sessions via BRAINFUSE HELPNOW, and more. We have also added support for telehealth access across Western PA.
Learn more about online resources for Work-School-Health at https://soconavigators.org/work-school-health/
- Laptop lending approval requires an interview and registration, along with acceptance of the DCTP Work-School-Health Laptop Lending Program Policies.
Please complete an online Application to Borrow a DCTP-Funded Work-School-Health Laptop or visit the Somerset County Library service desk and complete a print Application to Borrow a DCTP-Funded Work-School-Health Laptop to begin the process of borrowing a Work-School-Health laptop if you are interested in borrowing a laptop for Work-School-Health purposes.