California launches $1 million competition to expand internet access

California education officials are asking the community for input on how to close the state’s stubborn digital divide. On Tuesday, a $1 million competition kicked off that seeks to gather ideas on how to address the persistent challenge of funding and supplying internet in some of the state’s most rural and remote areas.

Almost a year since schools closed their physical campuses and switched to distance learning, up to 1 million California students still lack broadband needed to participate in online classes, the California Department of Education said on Tuesday. Across California, nearly 25% of African American students do not have access to the internet, compared with 21% of Hispanic or Latino students, 30% of American Indian students and only 14% of white students, according to the California Department of Education.

“I believe the next great ideas are already out there — living on the drawing boards of research teams or in the homes of aspiring entrepreneurs — and are just waiting for an infusion of resources to make them a reality. I believe the California Digital Divide Innovation Challenge can be a game-changer for solving a problem that has plagued underserved communities for decades,” said State Superintendent of Public Schools Tony Thurmond. “If we truly want to ensure all students have access to the technology and tools that not only help them access their learning remotely — but will be needed for success the rest of their lives — we cannot rest until the internet flows into households like electricity.”

Anyone is allowed to submit ideas for the competition, and in particular, officials are hoping to tap researchers, entrepreneurs and problem-solvers from all industries to develop technology, policy and strategic partnerships that could expand internet access. Interested participants are invited to reach out to innovationchallenge@cde.ca.gov.

The competition is funded by external private partners, including Genentech, GM Motors and Gary K. Michelson, founder and co-chair of Michelson Philanthropies and the Michelson 20MM Foundation.