Governor Laura Kelly announced on Tuesday that applications for the second round of the Advancing Digital Opportunities to Promote Technology (ADOPT) program will open Thursday, Dec. 12. The program will allocate $10.7 million to organizations focused on expanding access to public Wi-Fi and connected devices.

ADOPT is built around two key categories:

• Equipment Distribution: the maximum individual award is $500,000 and requires 2% match and 1% co-investment
• Public Wi-Fi: the maximum individual award is capped at $1 million and requires 5% match and 2% co-investment

The Kansas Office of Broadband Division (KOBD) is continuing its partnerships with organizations that can procure, distribute, manage, and maintain devices for the Equipment Distribution component of the ADOPT program. These devices will be offered to individuals without internet access, with an emphasis on long-term loans of computers, laptops, and tablets to ensure ongoing connectivity for eligible individuals.

The Public Wi-Fi component encourages partnerships to deliver affordable and reliable internet to underserved and unserved public areas.

“KOBD continues to engage with our neighbors while being future-focused on our mission to ensure all Kansans can access digital tools needed to thrive,” Interim Director of Kansas Office of Broadband Development Joseph Le said. “We have been encouraged by the innovative ideas and partnerships developed in the first round of ADOPT, and we expect this second round to continue to propel Kansas forward.” KOBD invites local governments, community organizations, educational institutions, and other groups to collaborate and enhance Kansas communities through the ADOPT program.