Mobile Beacon is celebrating 10 years of providing high-speed, low-cost, mobile internet access to the anchors of communities: nonprofits, schools, libraries, and healthcare organizations. In honor of this anniversary, Mobile Beacon is providing 10 community grants to local and national educational and nonprofit organizations in support of their missions to create opportunities for underserved Americans and invest in our nation’s future.
Providence Public Library (PPL) is proud to have received a $10,000 grant, as well as 10 laptops and 10 4G LTE hotspots with free, unlimited internet service from Mobile Beacon. PPL will utilize Mobile Beacon’s community grant to support our diverse public education, workforce development, and arts and cultural programming for the community. The laptops and mobile hotspots will be used for PPL’s Data Navigators program, as part of its STEAM-based initiative for teens.
“We are truly grateful for Mobile Beacon’s continued support of our ongoing work to provide a full spectrum of high-impact and innovative public education, workforce development, and arts & culture programs to all Rhode Islanders–both in-person and now virtually!” said Jack Martin, Providence Public Library Executive Director.
“Our free education programs – from early childhood and youth initiatives like Passport to Summer Learning and PVD Young Makers, to our expansive Technology Career Pathway initiative, which empowers adults oppressed form opportunity with in-demand technology skills that lead to stable jobs — would not be possible without many community partners and collaborators, as well as key supporters like Mobile Beacon. With this critical funding, PPL is not only able to serve thousands of youth, families, and adults each year, but also focus on eliminating the common barriers that disproportionately impede our most at-risk populations. Mobile Beacon’s support during this challenging time is especially important as we pivot and adapt to provide all of our programs, classes, and services virtually, in addition to working to ensure that the needs of our most vulnerable populations continue to be met,” said Martin.
“Mobile Beacon is honored to provide this community grant to PPL to help support their educational programs that benefit Rhode Islanders of all ages and abilities,” said Katherine Messier, Executive Director, Mobile Beacon. “Libraries play a critical role in connecting the public with free access to information, educational resources, and the internet. The ability to continue to meet the needs of Rhode Island individuals and families during the COVID-19 pandemic is vitally important. We are grateful to be able to support PPL’s ongoing efforts during this difficult time.”
Throughout the past 10 years, more than 12,000 nonprofits, schools, and libraries used Mobile Beacon’s unlimited mobile broadband service to serve their communities. Today, organizations in all 50 states currently rely on Mobile Beacon’s broadband service.
Mobile Beacon will be announcing additional community grants throughout the year.
About Mobile Beacon
Founded in 2010, Mobile Beacon provides high-speed, low-cost, mobile internet access to the anchors of communities: nonprofits, schools, libraries, and healthcare organizations. Through this broadband service, organizations have an essential tool to fulfill their missions and connect their communities. Learn more at www.mobilebeacon.org
About Providence Public Library
PPL is an independent, non-profit organization founded in 1875, governed by a Board of Trustees, and supported primarily through private funding sources, including its own PPL Foundation. The Library also serves as the Statewide Reference Resource Center holding unique collections and resources.
PPL’s Mission
PPL inspires Rhode Islanders to be lifelong learners by engaging their curiosity and offering access to extraordinary experiences, resources and ideas. Learn more at www.provlib.org.