Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the second cohort of the Regional Engagement for Adoption + Digital Equity (READY) program. Through Broadband READY, five regional entities have been selected to receive a total of $250,000 to support planning, research, and data collection as they work to eliminate the digital divide. Broadband READY grants empower regions to explore opportunities for equitable advances in the areas of broadband access, adoption, and utilization. Each grantee will create deliverables that provide a comprehensive assessment of the broadband landscape in their respective region, which will guide program integration and resource investment to close gaps in broadband equity and inclusion. Through the READY program, five institutions with regional ties were awarded a total of $250,000 ($50,000 each) to conduct research and outreach on digital equity:

• Bloomington-Normal EDC (North Central Region)

• Chicago State University (Northeast Region)

• Northern Illinois University (Northwest Region)

• Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (Southwest Region)

• Western Illinois University (West Central Region)