WASHINGTON, D.C. – Broadband for America (BfA) – a coalition of over 200 members – today announced that the Clarendon Parenting & Family Literacy Center in Manning, South Carolina was awarded a $25,000 grant for their focus on digital literacy and increasing broadband adoption and use.  The Broadband for America grant will also be used to purchase computers and supplies for the center.

U.S. House Majority Whip, Representative James E. Clyburn (SC-06) said, “The Clarendon Center is an exceptional example of the value of broadband because it allows people who might not otherwise have access to the Internet to benefit from it.  Today, in South Carolina, there are citizens living in rural areas who do not have the same access to broadband Internet as those living in the large cities.  We must close the gap between the connected and unconnected and this is certainly a step in the right direction.”

The Honorable Kevin Johnson, Mayor of Manning, South Carolina said, “This grant shows the value that private companies place on bringing broadband within the reach of every South Carolinian.  With these resources more people will be able to find medical and dietary help on-line, as well as look for a job, or continue their education.”

Broadband for America Adoption Advisory Board Member Ava Parker said, “The 200-plus members of the Broadband for America coalition are eager to find well-run, and well-attended programs like the Clarendon Center and to help provide the essential tool of high-speed access to the Internet to help them be of even greater value to their communities.  We are very proud of Broadband for America’s commitment to ensuring every home and business in America has broadband Internet access.”

Broadband for America (BfA) is a growing coalition of over 200 members ranging from independent consumer advocacy groups, to content and application providers, to the companies which build and maintain the Internet. The complete BfA membership list is available at: http://www.broadbandforamerica.com/about/members 

###