Digital Skills, Workforce Development Takes Center Stage at BEAD Listening Session
The second round of public comments included support for removing ed-tech from K-12 schools
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19, 2026 – Organizations from across the country came out in force to argue for digital literacy and workforce development programs during the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s second BEAD program listening session on Wednesday.
Many of these organizations noted that they provided input on the development of the $42.45 billion BEAD law as it was being written in 2001 and encouraged NTIA to allow for flexibility for states on how the remaining $21 billion in non-deployment funds were used to address local specific local needs.
“NTIA’s mission is to ensure broadband remains an engine for innovation and economic growth, and that growth does not depend on infrastructure alone. It depends on whether people can actually use it” said Kathy Bizby, Director of the Alliance for Digital Equity, a coalition serving more than 70 organizations in western Massachusetts.
