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Education, Technology, and Energy Funding Shape SLED News This Week
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Education, Technology, and Energy Funding Shape SLED News This Week

Blake Thorne
October 24, 2025
5 min read

1. Vermont Allocates $8 Million to Low-Income Broadband Program

Source: Vermont Public | October 20,  2025
Vermont has announced nearly $8 million in funding to expand broadband access for low-income households, aiming to close the digital divide and enhance internet connectivity across the state.

What happened 

  • The state will use the funding to subsidize internet service for eligible households and provide support for digital literacy programs. 
  • The program targets underserved communities, including rural areas, to ensure equitable access to high-speed internet.

What it means for you 

  • Contractors specializing in broadband infrastructure, network installation, and technical support may see new procurement opportunities tied to program expansion. 
  • Vendors offering digital literacy tools, connectivity devices, or community outreach services could find partnership or subcontracting opportunities as the program is implemented.

2. Governor Hochul Highlights $11.4 Million Investment in Law Enforcement Technology Across Westchester County

Source: New York Governor | October 23,  2025
Governor Kathy Hochul announced an $11.4 million investment to modernize law enforcement technology in 33 police agencies across Westchester County, aiming to enhance public safety and improve officer effectiveness.

What happened 

  • The funding supports the acquisition of body-worn cameras, GPS tracking systems, drones, and patrol vehicle tablets to bolster law enforcement operations.
  • Westchester County has experienced an 18% decrease in overall crime and a 42% reduction in shooting incidents with injury in participating communities since the implementation of these technologies.

What it means for you

  • Vendors specializing in law enforcement technology, including body cameras, GPS systems, and drones, may find new procurement opportunities as local agencies upgrade their equipment. 
  • Contractors offering training, integration, and maintenance services for law enforcement technologies could see increased demand as agencies implement and sustain these new tools.

3. Maryland Launches $25 Million Grant Program for Home Energy Efficiency and Solar Projects

Source: Nottingham MD | October 22, 2025
Maryland has announced a $25 million grant program to help income-qualified residents adopt energy efficiency upgrades and solar energy systems, aiming to lower utility costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

What happened 

  • Grants will fund projects such as home insulation, heat pumps, solar panel installations, and other energy efficiency improvements for qualifying households. 
  • The program targets low- and moderate-income households to ensure equitable access to clean energy benefits across the state.

What it means for you 

  • Contractors specializing in residential energy efficiency, HVAC, and solar installations should monitor for upcoming project solicitations. 
  • Vendors providing renewable energy equipment, energy management systems, or workforce training may find new partnership or subcontracting opportunities.

4. Massachusetts Grants $13.5 Million to Boost STEM and Tech Access in Schools

Source: WWLP News | October 20, 2025
Massachusetts has allocated $13.5 million to enhance STEM education and technology access in schools, aiming to prepare students for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

What happened 

  • The funding will support the purchase of advanced technology and equipment, as well as the development of STEM curricula and professional development for educators. 
  • The initiative targets underserved schools to ensure equitable access to quality STEM education across the state.

What it means for you 

  • Vendors specializing in educational technology, curriculum development, and teacher training may find new procurement opportunities as schools implement these enhancements. 
  • Contractors offering STEM-related workshops, after-school programs, or resources for students could see increased demand as part of this statewide initiative.

5. Virginia Awards $12 Million in School Security Grants to 433 Schools

Source: Campus Safety Magazine | October 20, 2025
Virginia has allocated $12 million in School Security Equipment Grants to 433 schools across 99 school divisions, aiming to enhance safety infrastructure with advanced technologies like surveillance systems and secure entrances.

What happened 

  • The grants were awarded through a competitive process, with eligible school divisions receiving up to $250,000 each. 
  • Approved equipment includes voice and video internal communication systems, mass notification systems, security card access systems and visitor ID badging systems, surveillance cameras, two-way radios, and security vestibules.

What it means for you 

  • Vendors providing school security equipment, such as surveillance cameras, secure entry systems, communication tools, and mass notification systems, should monitor grant-funded procurement opportunities. 
  • Contractors offering installation, integration, maintenance, and training services for school security technologies may see increased demand as schools implement these upgrades.

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