ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Education is now accepting applications for the Broadband Expansion Off-Campus Learning Grant Program, according to a press release.

The Minnesota Legislature created the program in 2016. A total of $500,000 in new grant funds was authorized for the program in a continuing effort to improve broadband access with a focus on reaching students in unserved or under-served areas and low-income families. Individual applicants are eligible for up to $50,000 in funding this year.

“Throughout the last two years, I’ve worked to help bring reliable, high-speed internet access to our area and our state,” said Rep. Peggy Bennett, R-Albert Lea. “As a former teacher, I see these grants as a way to help our students learn and stay connected to the rest of the world.”

Grant applications must be received by (not postmarked by) 3:30 p.m. Sept. 9. For more information, contact Jennifer Nelson at jennifer.r.nelson@state.mn.us or 651-582-8791; or contact Bennett at rep.peggy.bennett@house.mn or 651-296-8216.