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June 28, 2007, 12:43 PM ET
A Step Toward Closing the Technology Gap
A bill (S.1650) aimed at narrowing the technology gap between colleges that serve minority students and those that serve mostly white students was passed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on Wednesday. The bill, the Max Cleland Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act, would provide funds for computer hardware, software, and network upgrades at colleges that serve black, Hispanic, and American Indian students.
The legislation authorizes $250-million a year from 2008 through 2012. Institutions receiving the funds would be required to provide a 25-percent matching contribution or $500,000, whichever is less.
The bill would also establish an Office of Minority-Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology within the National Science Foundation. The organization has in the past voiced opposition to such an office.
Similar bills have stalled in Congress before, and the prospects of this legislation are unclear. --Andrea L. Foster
Categories: Legal-Troubles
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