Collaboration to provide essential network capabilities to higher ed institutions
KINBER and KeystoneREN today announced that they, in partnership with Penn State University and other Pennsylvania universities, have been awarded a $1.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). This grant will facilitate a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at providing essential cyberinfrastructure-based resources and services to under-resourced institutions of higher education across Pennsylvania.
The grant from the NSF underscores KINBER and KeystoneREN’s commitment to advancing technology infrastructure in education and ensuring that all institutions have access to cutting-edge resources. This collaboration will empower under-resourced colleges and universities by enhancing their capabilities in the digital landscape, fostering innovation, and expanding opportunities for students and researchers.
“We are honored to benefit from this grant from the National Science Foundation, which will enable us to make a significant impact on under-resourced institutions in Pennsylvania,” said Nathan Flood, KINBER president and CEO. “KINBER remains dedicated to bridging the digital divide in education, and this collaboration will play a pivotal role in providing equitable access to cyberinfrastructure resources for all.”
KINBER and its subsidiary, KeystoneREN, will be working in close partnership with several universities including Penn State University, Swarthmore College and Indiana University of Pennsylvania. The collaborative effort will focus on deploying state-of-the-art cyberinfrastructure solutions, managed by KeystoneREN and tailored to the unique needs of each participating institution. The project will include comprehensive training programs, technical support, and ongoing consultation to ensure a sustainable and effective implementation of these resources.
“We are proud to play a pivotal role in this important initiative,” said Grant Dull, KeystoneREN’s executive director. “By utilizing our expertise and resources to manage the infrastructure, we aim to create a transformative impact on higher education institutions that may face barriers to accessing advanced cyberinfrastructure.” This NSF grant represents a significant milestone for KINBER, KeystoneREN and their collaborators, showcasing their dedication to fostering inclusive and technologically advanced education environments. Work related to this new grant builds on an earlier NSF planning grant that KINBER received and completed in 2023. As the collaboration progresses, the impact on under-resourced institutions is expected to be substantial, unlocking new possibilities for research, education and innovation.