Digital Skills & Accessibility Capacity Grant Program
On Friday, May 9, 2025, BEAM received a termination notice for the Digital Equity Act and all programs within - including the $10.7 million allocated to Mississippi for the Digital Skills & Accessibility Grant. This notice was from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the US Department of Commerce who oversee the Digital Equity Programs.
DSA Capacity Grant Webinar: Tuesday, May 13th at 10 am Central. Register HERE.
Mississippi's $10.7 Million Digital Skills & Accessibility Capacity Grant has now been approved and recommended for award by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). A portion of these funds will be awarded to nonprofits and other entities for digital skills training for Mississippians. BEAM also anticipates a portion of the funds will be awarded to state agencies in order to expand upon existing skills training programs.
For those wishing to learn more, BEAM is hosting a webinar that will include key program details, FAQs, a walkthrough of the application portal, and guidance to support applicants throughout the process. Additionally, this webinar will be recorded and posted to this website for those unable to attend.
DSA Capacity Grant Webinar: Tuesday, May 13th at 10 am Central. Register HERE.
In the meantime, please email msdsa@beam.ms.gov with any questions regarding the DSA Capacity Grant. For all other broadband related inquiries, please email info@beam.ms.gov or call 601-359-5029.
Digital Skills Coaches
As part of the Digital Skills & Accessibility program, BEAM has partnered with American Connection Corps (ACC) to have nine members stationed around the state to provide digital skills training to individuals in the community. Each member has been assigned approximately six to eight counties to provide services including digital literacy training, establishing telehealth zones, and working with Volunteer Mississippi to celebrate National Days of Service. Most of these individuals will be stationed at Mississippi State Extension Offices in local communities. Those interested in this service can email beamoffice@dsacoach.com.
Map of Counties with a Digital Skills Coach
Digital Skills Coaches Biographies
Mississippi's Digital Skills Plan
The Office of Broadband Expansion and Accessibility of Mississippi (BEAM) has posted the State Digital Skills and Accessibility Plan for the 30-day public comment period. This document can be viewed at the link below and comments may be submitted in writing to dsacomments@beam.ms.gov. The comment period has now closed but was open from January 5, 2024, until 5:00 pm local time on Monday, February 5, 2024.
This plan was compiled to meet the requirements for Mississippi’s Digital Skills and Accessibility (DSA) Plan as contemplated in Section 60304(c) of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021. Mississippi will share in a $1.44 billion national fund for implementation of this plan. In an initial round of funding, Mississippi has been allocated $10.7 million to implement this plan.
The Mississippi DSA Plan outlines key goals and objectives, alignment with other governmental entities, and strategies for reaching these goals. The Plan inventories the current state of digital skills and broadband accessibility around the state, as well as defining needs to be addressed. The Plan details collaboration with stakeholders and extensive efforts BEAM has undertaken over the last year for stakeholder engagement. Finally, the Plan discusses the implementation of the Plan and strategies for increasing digital literacy and accessibility in Mississippi.
Mississippi's State Digital Skills and Accessibility Plan - as published for public comment on January 5, 2024
Mississippi's State Digital Skills and Accessibility Plan - as submitted to NTIA on February 13, 2024
Mississippi's State Digital Skills and Accessibility Plan - as approved by NTIA on April 10, 2024