The White House is partnering with Sprint Corp. to provide 1 million high school students who lack home Internet access with a new device and up to four years of broadband service.
Dubbed the “1Million Project,” it is the largest corporate initiative to bridge the digital divide and help close the “Homework Gap” for 1 million disadvantaged high school students lacking home internet access, said sprint.
“…since 70 percent of teachers are now assigning internet-based homework,connectivity isn’t a luxury – it’s an absolute necessity for students. Nearly half of 14- to 18-year-olds report using a library computer primarily for homework. Students lacking home internet access are cut off from a future of possibilities,” the company said.
Highlights of the Program
- 3 GB per month of free high-speed LTE data while on the Sprint network. Unlimited data is available at 2G speeds if usage exceeds 3 GB in a month
- A free smartphone, tablet, laptop or hotspot device
- Free hotspot capability and unlimited calls/text while on the Sprint network for students who receive a smartphone
The 1Million Project will connect approximately 200,000 students per year for five years. Each participating student will receive a free wireless device and free service for up to four years while in high school.
Beginning in January 2017, Sprint, in partnership with the Sprint Foundation, will pilot the program in seven to 10 markets. The pilots across several markets and community partners will provide a better understanding of the varying needs of students and the resources they require to be successful.
The program can be refined prior to a nationwide rollout planned for the start of the 2017-18 school year, said Sprint.
