Millions in federal grant dollars will go to the University of Arizona to pay for broadband and technology access for distance learners.

UA says it was eligible to pursue the money due to its title as a Hispanic-Serving Institution.

University officials say the two-year grant from a U.S. Commerce Department agency running a test program called Connecting Minority Communities is worth more than $3 million.

Some of the money will be spent on growing the UA library system’s cache of technology that can be loaned to distance learners.

The grant will also buy network and classroom tech for use at UA satellite campuses across southern Arizona.

Tohono O’odham Community College also sought a roughly $2 million grant through the same pilot program aimed at growing digital access and workforce development.