The BTOP application from the Oklahoma Department of Libraries is boosted by a grant from the Gates Foundation. If approved, the project will provide:

• Education: The percentage of Oklahomans with at least a bachelor’s degree is much lower than the national average (22% vs. 27%)
  
• Jobs and Poverty Alleviation: Oklahoma has a higher poverty rate than the national average (16% vs. 13%). Lack of Internet access and long distances make job searching and interviewing difficult
  
• Health: Oklahoma ranks towards the bottom of national health metrics (diabetes prevalence and heart disease deaths among others). At-risk individuals and chronically ill patients must often travel long-distances to hospitals for information
  
• eGovernment: As government services move online, citizens without broadband service will face growing obstacles in accessing these services