APPLY: Schools Can Receive Free Internet Service, Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots for K-12 Students
- By Yvonne Marquez
- 11/30/20
AT&T, in collaboration with non-profit Connected Nation, launched an online application for the AT&T K-12 Connected Learning Program, which offers free wireless internet service and mobile Wi-Fi hotspots for marginalized students nationwide.
According to a 2018 survey, there are an estimated 17 million public K-12 students who don’t have access to the internet to support online learning. In addition, about 3 million students, may not have received any formal education — virtual or in-person — since March 2020.
AT&T has committed to $10 million to support the country’s most vulnerable students who don’t have adequate internet access and are disconnected from learning. The AT&T K-12 Connected Learning Program is focused on providing mobile Wi-Fi hotspots and free wireless internet service for students who have been disproportionately impacted since the pandemic forced schools to close.
School districts, charter schools, and community-based non-profit organizations that serve “at-risk youth” are eligible to apply.
The program aims to help students in the following groups:
- Students in foster care
- Students experiencing homelessness
- English language learners
- Students with disabilities
- Students eligible for the Migrant Education Program
- Other at-risk students who may be disconnected from formal education opportunities
The awardees will receive free AT&T wireless interet service for one calendar year for up to 500 K-12 students per award. A free mobile Wi-Fi hotspot for each line of service. Some awardees may receive a new or refurbished laptop, Chromebook, or tablet learning device based on nead and availability.
The application can be found at: www.att.connectednation.org/s3/connectedlearning
The application deadline is January 11, 2021. Awardees will be announced in early-to-mid February 2021.
About the Author
Yvonne Marquez is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].