EEC outlines $23 million 'Conectado y en Línea' device program; applications due Nov. 7

The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) on a Spanish-language information session presented details of Conectado y en Línea, a roughly $23,000,000 device-distribution program that will provide laptops, tablets, desktops and auxiliary equipment to eligible Massachusetts organizations. Kaitlyn Schubert, a program representative with EEC, said the application deadline is Nov. 7 and that applicants will be notified in late November or early December.

Schubert said the devices will be purchased and shipped directly to approved applicants at no cost to recipients; no cash grants or administrative reimbursements are part of the program. Recipients assume ownership at delivery but must maintain devices as publicly accessible resources through the program period and submit quarterly usage reports and a final impact report. Schubert cited Department of the Treasury compliance requirements and said recipients must retain purchase and service records.

EEC described eligible applicants as municipalities, state agencies, nonprofit and community organizations, foundations, education and health providers, career centers and libraries physically located in Massachusetts. Projects do not have to address all three stated focus areas — education, workforce development and health — but proposals must explain how devices expand access in at least one of those…