MIHI awards $10.6M to 13 organizations across Michigan to improve digital access statewide

LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) awarded nearly $10.6M to 13 organizations who will serve as regional hubs providing digital skills training, device distribution programs, online accessibility, access to affordable broadband service and other activities. 

“When we expand access to affordable, fast internet, we connect Michiganders with jobs, healthcare, education, opportunity, and so much more,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Today’s announcement of $10.6 million in grants to 13 organizations will help more Michiganders access the tools they need to thrive in a digital world. We are committed to bringing resources to bear and making historic investments across Michigan to ensure that no matter where someone lives or works, they can access high speed internet and reach their full potential.” 

The Michigan Inclusive Training, Technology and Equity Network (MITTEN) program aims to bridge the digital divide by establishing regional resource hubs to provide essential support for digital inclusion. The initiative is rooted in community input gathered during a statewide MI Connected Future listening tour and is designed to equip Michiganders with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in a connected world.  

“We are dedicated to making Michigan a place where all residents can reach their full potential,” said Labor and Economic Opportunity Director Susan Corbin. “Michiganders need both access to high-speed internet and the devices and skills to do so. The MIHI team is working across the state with these selected organizations to help make Michigan more prosperous for all.” 

The selected organizations, listed by prosperity regions, are:  

Region 1c: Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District ($857,909) 

Region 2: Grow Benzie ($857,870) 

Region 3: Northwest Michigan Consortium ($446,023) 

Region 4a: Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency ($857,909) 

Region 4b: West Michigan Works! ($857,908) 

Region 5: Central Michigan University ($854,304) 

Region 6: Regents of the University of Michigan – Flint ($746,405) 

Region 7: Ingham County ($857,909) 

Region 8: Southwest Michigan Planning Commission ($857,909) 

Region 9: Southeast Michigan Community Alliance ($857,909) 

Region 10: Tejara ($820,080) 

Detroit: United Way of Southeastern Michigan ($857,909) 

Grand Rapids: Hispanic Center of Western Michigan ($857,909) 

MIHI is committed to addressing any gaps in coverage through a third round of applications in the near future. The 13 hub organizations were awarded as subgrantees for the MITTEN program to support implementation of the Michigan Digital Equity Plan.  

This funding is provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Digital Equity Act. To learn more about the MITTEN program and digital resources in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/MIHI.