CNM News:
ALBUQUERQUE — Today, the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion (OBAE) announced it has awarded $5,531,865 in Student Connect grants to two internet providers and a non-profit to help rural students and school staff gain access to high-speed internet.
The three awards come as part of OBAE’s $25 million Student Connect program, and these latest projects could provide broadband service to more than 1,200 rural students in four counties.
“These grants will help change students’ lives in these remote parts of the state,” Drew Lovelace, OBAE’s acting director said. “Thousands of students across the state are unable to access the internet once they return from school, and this vital connectivity will help them succeed in school and in life.”
- Mycelia Foundation, based in Las Cruces, received $2,498,496 and will work with Deming Public Schools to connect as many 650 student households in Luna County.
- Resound Networks, based in Pampa, TX, was awarded $1,772,869 and will work with Socorro Consolidated Schools to connect as many as 416 student households in Socorro County.
- Commnet Wireless LLC, based in Castle Rock, CO, received $1,260,500 and will work with the Española Public School District to connect as many as 173 student households in Rio Arriba and Santa Fe counties.
OBAE has issued 10Student Connect awards, totaling $19,453,938. There is still more than $5 million available in the program. OBAE encourages applications. Schools and internet service providers that partner with schools can submit applications.
While rural schools have broadband, there is often no high-speed connection for students and others once they return home. Student Connect funds are addressing that problem by establishing fixed wireless broadband. The grants will be used to construct towers, build fixed wireless service and provide receivers for the designated student homes.
The state money comes from OBAE’s Connect New Mexico Fund. The Legislature appropriated $25 million designated for public school projects, and OBAE created Student Connect in 2024, an assistance program specifically designed to bring broadband to rural students and school staff.
Students and school staff participating in the program will also get three years of free internet.
OBAE will approve those applications that meet program criteria. The application process doesn’t have a deadline, but all projects must be completed by June 30, 2025.
The Connect New Mexico Fund was established in 2021 by the Legislature through the Connect New Mexico Act.
