State staff outline U.S. Treasury–funded device distribution program for Massachusetts organizations

State program staff reviewed an incoming U.S. Department of the Treasury grant to distribute tablets, laptops, desktops and related equipment to Massachusetts organizations and public-access sites, saying the program is intended to expand access for education, health and workforce development.

Program staff said the application process will require a project narrative and that applicants must demonstrate how devices will serve at least one of the three priority areas. The presenter said the program "é totalmente gratuito para vocês" and emphasized that recipients must make devices available without cost to the public rather than reserve them for internal company use.

Staff listed eligible applicants as municipalities, state agencies, tribal nations, nonprofit organizations, health agencies, accredited education providers, libraries, career centers and other community organizations based in Massachusetts. Sites may operate public access stations or…