Access to reliable connectivity causes a divide between youth who have access and those who do not, according to a news release from UScellular.
Currently, 35% of low-income households lack any access to broadband service at home. This leads to an issue known as the “homework gap” among students who lack proper internet access.
To close this gap, the cellular company has launched the After School Access Project, a program that provides free mobile hotspots and service to nonprofits that support youth after the school day has ended, and provides safe internet access for homework and education.
This is an expansion of previous hotspot donations the company provided to address connectivity needs during the pandemic. Seeing the greater need, the company has pledged to donate up to $13 million in hotspots and service to connect up to 50,000 youth next year. Eligible nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply at afterschoolaccessproject.com.
“When we heard the stories of youth who couldn’t get access to reliable internet for their schoolwork, we knew we had to act,” said Tabatha McKay, area vice president/general manager for UScellular in New England, according to the news release. “Connecting people and communities is our mission and the After School Access Project is just one way that we’re helping ensure students have the reliable access they need to grow and pursue their dreams.”
Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. To date, UScellular has donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home.
Nonprofit organizations who meet the following criteria are welcomed to apply:
• Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations
• Operate within UScellular’s service area
• Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
• Not a school or government entity
Hotspot devices will be shipped to nonprofit organizations within six to eight weeks of an approved, completed application.
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