The National Telecommunications and Information Administration allocated more than $175 million to 61 colleges and universities across 29 states and four territories as part of the Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program.

This brings the total amount of funding awarded under the Internet for All grant program to 93 universities, according to a Feb. 27 news release.

“Access to affordable, reliable, high-speed Internet service is necessary for minority students and local communities to fully access school, healthcare and jobs,” Secretary of State Gina Raimondo said in the release.

The initiative aims to close the digital divide by improving broadband access and digital literacy in minority communities, according to the release. By funding projects at universities, the NTIA hopes to create a ripple effect that benefits the surrounding communities and enables more people to participate in the digital economy.

Raimondo said the Commerce Department has significantly invested into minority-serving colleges and universities, the release reported.

“I am proud to say that all funding from the Connecting Minority Communities program has been distributed to help make Internet connectivity a reality for tens of thousands of students at minority-serving colleges and universities across the country,” she said in the release.