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 ymarquez@1105media.com.

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