EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio — Editor's note: Video at the top of this story was originally published in an unrelated article on July 28, 2021.
As the effort to combat the digital divide in Northeast Ohio continues, AT&T has announced they will be giving more than 375 free hotspots as well as free internet connectivity to students within the East Cleveland City School District.
It’s part of a national campaign in partnership with Connected Nation.
“As the East Cleveland City School District continues to work to close the digital divide, AT&T's generous contribution of 375 internet connection and content filtering devices will ensure more students have stable, reliable access to online curriculum and other digital resources,” said East Cleveland City Schools CEO Dr. Henry Pettiegrew. “A provision like this is vital in the district's charge to deliver high-quality instruction to students and families in our community.”
Throughout the state, approximately 402,000 students are without an adequate internet device, according to AT&T officials.
“Organizations like the East Cleveland City School District are critical to serving and supporting some of the most at-risk students across East Cleveland,” said AT&T Ohio Director of External Affairs Tony Costanzo. “By helping to expand connectivity for the students East Cleveland City Schools serves, we can play a role in narrowing the homework gap.”
From the partnership, 35,000 vulnerable students spread across 100 schools throughout the country will benefit from the $10 million commitment to solving learning barriers.
“This support for East Cleveland’s students, families, and educators helps lift our entire community,” said East Cleveland Mayor Brandon King. “We’re mindful that, even as students are returning to classrooms, it will still take time to address the educational impact of the last year on students most at risk. We are thankful to AT&T and Connected Nation for their help in keeping these students connected.”
Across the country, millions of students lack access to the proper resources required for online and hybrid learning. During the pandemic, the challenge of bridging this divide was primarily heightened in rural and under-resourced areas. Students of color and disabilities were affected the most.
“What makes this program so critical is that it seeks to help students who have been disproportionately disconnected from formal learning opportunities due to COVID-19,” said Tom Ferree, Chairman & CEO, Connected Nation. “The investment being made through the AT&T K-12 homework gap program will not only allow these kids to fully participate in remote learning if it’s needed but also to catch up on learning lost during the pandemic. We must all work together to minimize and mitigate the impact that the pandemic has had on our most vulnerable youth.”
AT&T is also working on expanding its wireless network affordability and flexibility for all schools. This includes plans with unlimited data and content filtering to ensure online safety.
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