EUGENE, Ore. — Lane Community College has completed an expansion of free public Wi-Fi access at its Florence and Cottage Grove centers and Aviation Academy at the Eugene Airport, making it easier for students and community members to connect to education, employment resources and essential online services.
Supported by approximately $164,000 in funding through the Oregon Broadband Office's Digital Connectivity Technology Program, the project improved wireless coverage and reliability at all three locations, with a significant investment in the college's Florence Center.
At the Florence Center, 15 new wireless access points and an antenna have been installed to address previous coverage gaps, providing stronger, more consistent connections for coastal residents accessing online coursework, employment resources, virtual appointments and other digital services.
"Reliable internet access is essential for students and community members, particularly in our rural and coastal communities," said Lane Community College President Dr. Stephanie Bulger. "These improvements strengthen our regional learning centers and help ensure that access to education and opportunity isn't limited by where someone lives."
The completed project also added six wireless access points at the Cottage Grove Center and 18 at the Aviation Academy, expanding connectivity in classrooms and shared spaces where access was previously limited or unavailable.
According to U.S. Census data cited in the college's grant application, approximately 15% of Lane County households lack reliable broadband connectivity.
Funding was provided through the federal American Rescue Plan Act's Capital Projects Fund, administered by Business Oregon. The expanded Wi-Fi service is now available at no cost to students and community members at all three locations.
The investment reflects Lane's continued commitment to expanding educational access and strengthening its role as a community resource throughout Lane County.
Lane Community College educates over 17,000 students annually at six locations across Lane County and online. Students and alumni from all 50 states and 79 countries create more than an $816.2 million dollar impact on the local economy, helping to support more than 9,700 local jobs. Lane provides affordable, quality, professional technical and college transfer programs; business development and employee training; academic, language and life skills development; and lifelong personal development and enrichment courses