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 areas. Schubert emphasized organizations that charge a fee for public access are unlikely to qualify unless they provide free access during set hours or in defined programs.

The agency listed device categories and support: a Dell Pro 14 laptop, a Chromebook, a Dell Latitude tablet (touch), two desktop classes (one standard, one for higher-end graphics/workstation use), and accessories including monitors, mice, keyboards and headsets. Devices will include productivity and security software; Schubert said laptops ship with Microsoft Business productivity software as described in the session and that Chromebooks and tablets may not include that package. Security tools including Deep Freeze are available; Schubert explained Deep Freeze restores a device to a clean state after reboot. Additional assistive software for users with hearing or vision needs was named as available on request.

Warranty and protection details announced: accidental-damage protection for laptops, tablets and Chromebooks is three years; Dell limited hardware warranty for laptops is two years; Chromebooks have a one-year limited warranty; desktops were noted as not covered by the three-year accidental-damage protection. Schubert said devices must be implemented within three months of contract execution; underuse or failure to implement may trigger a requirement to return equipment.

On quantities and application structure, Schubert said single applicants may request up to 500 devices, and the program’s minimum per application is 30 devices. EEC allows collective applications where multiple sites or smaller providers apply together under one lead applicant; the lead contact is responsible for distribution and reporting. Auxiliary equipment must be requested together with a primary device and is counted toward the total device allocation; software does not count toward device totals. Final allocations will reflect demonstrated capacity to manage devices and community need.

Schubert explained the narrative portion of the application is the primary review element. Applicants must address five areas: project scope and timeline; justification for the number of devices requested; alignment to the program focus areas; proposed device-use models (on-site, lending, mobile outreach); and integration with existing services. The rubric evaluates project impact, visibility and preparedness, community participation, and equity; a total score is out of 100 with up to 20 bonus points for priority factors such as serving qualifying centers, integrating digital-skills training or committing to device recycling/refresh efforts.

She clarified other program particulars raised by attendees: the devices do not include built-in Wi‑Fi service, though EEC staff can share broadband resources such as Lifeline vouchers; applicants should not charge fees to access devices; organizations may lend devices long-term if they document usage and communicate with clients; and EEC staff will work with applicants on policies for lost or unreturned devices and will document occurrences in reporting. Schubert also offered application review feedback if applicants submit drafts to the team before the deadline and listed upcoming informational sessions on Oct. 30 and Nov. 4.

Schubert addressed retention timing in two related remarks: she said devices must remain publicly accessible through Dec. 31, 2026 and later noted some contractual or compliance requirements may require retaining the devices through Dec. 31, 2031 (five years after program end). The program materials will specify final contract retention obligations.

The session was recorded in interpreted languages and EEC promised to share materials, recordings and contact information for application help. Schubert encouraged early childhood and childcare organizations to apply and offered to connect smaller applicants with municipal partners to meet the 30-device minimum.

Closing note: EEC staff emphasized technical assistance and invited applicants to contact the team via the email shared in the session for collaboration and help with the SIAE application platform.