Louisiana launches initiative to expand access to technology and digital skills

Name: Connect LA
Price range: $

Hands typing on a laptop keyboard with a transparent overlay of network nodes and lines, blending into a modern city skyline, symbolizing digital connectivity and technology.

BATON ROUGE, La. (June 3, 2026) — Today, ConnectLA announced the launch of the ÉTOUFFÉE program and the opening of a grant application portal, providing eligible organizations serving Louisiana communities with access to digital devices and digital skills resources. The program is designed to equip organizations with technology resources that support workforce development, education and health-related services in communities across the state.

The ÉTOUFFÉE program — Enhancing Technological Opportunity for yoU and your Family to Foster Education and Enterprise — provides qualifying organizations with accessible laptops, desktops, tablets and related technology resources to support community access and digital opportunity initiatives.

Eligible applicants include veterans service organizations, rural public health agencies and facilities, municipalities, state agencies and qualifying post-secondary institutions. Organizations may apply to support device loan programs, public computer labs, workforce development activities, digital literacy training and health-related technology access initiatives that are free and open to the public.

“Louisiana’s broadband work is about more than infrastructure alone,” said Gov. Jeff Landry. “As connectivity expands across our state, we also have to ensure communities have access to the devices and tools needed to fully participate in today’s economy, education system and healthcare environment. Programs like ÉTOUFFÉE help extend those opportunities into communities across Louisiana.”

The program reflects ConnectLA’s broader strategy of pairing historic broadband deployment efforts with initiatives designed to improve digital opportunity and practical access to technology. As broadband infrastructure continues expanding statewide, ÉTOUFFÉE is intended to help communities translate connectivity into everyday use and long-term impact.

“Access to high-speed internet only matters if people are able to use it,” said Veneeth Iyengar, executive director of ConnectLA. “ÉTOUFFÉE is designed to support organizations that are already serving their communities and help expand access to the technology resources and digital skills that people increasingly rely on every day.”

"Improving health in rural areas of our state is a top priority, and one of our greatest opportunities," said Bruce Greenstein, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health. "Programs like ÉTOUFFÉE can connect more people to accessible devices, meaning more people in rural areas can find reliable information and stay better connected to the resources that support their health and well-being."

"Veterans across Louisiana have earned access to every resource and opportunity this state has to offer, and in today's world, that means meaningful access to technology," said Charlton Meginley, secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs. "Many of our veterans and their families live in rural communities where connectivity and device access remain real barriers to employment, healthcare and education. The ÉTOUFFÉE program addresses those barriers head-on, and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs is proud to support this initiative as a resource our veteran service organizations can put to immediate use."

“This program prioritizes access for those who may not traditionally have it,” said Liam Doyle, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs. “This is critical for the statewide disability community, as any increase in connectivity directly results in increased independence, be it through telehealth, virtual meeting options or other vital services.”

Applications are open through July 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Organizations interested in applying can review program materials and submit applications at etouffee.org.

About ConnectLA

The Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity (ConnectLA) leads the state’s efforts to expand high-speed internet access and close the digital divide. Housed within the Louisiana Division of Administration, ConnectLA works across federal, state and local partners to identify and implement strategies that ensure every resident can benefit from reliable broadband connectivity. For more information, visit connect.la.gov.