Sprint Joins Smart Chicago Collaborative and Mayor Rahm Emanuel for Connect Chicago Launch

CHICAGO (BUSINESS WIRE), April 16, 2016 – Today, Sprint (NYSE:S, news, filings) joins Smart Chicago Collaborative and Mayor Emanuel for the launch of Connect Chicago. Last year, Sprint for Chicago donated $250,000 to Connect Chicago, an initiative led by Smart Chicago, which seeks to make Chicago the most digitally skilled, connected and dynamic city in America.

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“Sprint is excited to play a part in the Connect Chicago launch. Many of our initiatives, like theirs, aims to close technology gaps in the city,” said Jim Mills, Sprint president of Illinois and Wisconsin. “This is a great initiative for Sprint to further support the community and to help make an impact in all Chicago neighborhoods.”

Announced by Mayor Emanuel in 2012 as the Broadband Challenge, Connect Chicago will increase digital access through comprehensive programming, outreach and public access in neighborhoods throughout the city.

Sprint’s $250,000 investment will go entirely toward the expansion of theCyberNavigator Program under Connect Chicago. CyberNavigators are computer tutors serving 44 libraries across Chicago where they provide technology training and mentoring, one-on-one assistance and public classes. Chicagoans can learn about computer basics, resume writing, word processing, internet searching and more.

“Thanks to Sprint, Connect Chicago will be able to add hundreds of additional hours for CyberNavigators to assist Chicagoans at no-cost to them,” said Daniel O’Neil, executive director of Smart Chicago. “Sprint is an excellent community partner and we greatly appreciate their support.”

Sprint has a long history of supporting initiatives that use innovative technologies, services and devices to enhance educational opportunities. Last year, Sprint for Chicago provided more than $3 million in free broadband service to help bridge the digital divide in Illinois as part of the White House Initiative,ConnectED.

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