Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

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].

Featured

  • Harvard Announces Replacement Facility for Native American Program

    Harvard University in Cambridge, Mass., recently announced that construction will begin this spring on a new home for its Native American Program, according to university news. The 6,500-square-foot, all-electric building will stand three stories and serve as the central hub for the Harvard University Native American Program (HUNAP).

  • UT System Approves First Funds for New Campus

    The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently approved funds to build the first facility of a new campus in far west Fort Worth, Texas, according to university news. UTA West will serve as a branch of the University of Texas at Arlington and is scheduled to open in fall 2028.

  • Johns Hopkins Starts Construction on New Residence Hall, Dining Facility

    The Homewood Campus of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Md., recently began construction on a new residence hall and dining facility, according to university news. The work involves demolishing the existing Alumni Memorial Residence Hall I, which was built in 1923, to make room for the new facility.

  • Hawaii Elementary School Breaks Ground on New Classroom Building

    Kealakehe Elementary School in Kailua, Hawaii, recently began construction on a new, $16-million classroom building for its campus, according to a news release. The 13,000-square-foot building will stand two stories and connect the existing upper and lower campuses.