Program Will Give 1 Million High School Students Free Devices and Connectivity
By Jim Spillane, Director of Public Sector Strategy
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The 1Million Project, Sprint and the Sprint Foundation’s multi-year initiative to help eliminate the “Homework Gap,” is now accepting applications from eligible high schools, nonprofits, libraries and public housing authorities across the U.S. that are interested in participating and giving their students an opportunity to reach their full potential.
It’s incredible to think that there are so many kids in this country who struggle every day to get their schoolwork done once they leave free connectivity at school because they don’t have a device or internet access at home. We’re doing something to ensure these kids don’t get left behind. Last month we announced that, through the 1Million Project, we will give 1 million low-income, U.S. students lacking a reliable source of internet access at home a free mobile device and free high-speed wireless connectivity for up to four years in high school.
And, the response has been amazing! We had the opportunity to launch the program at an event with President Obama in North Carolina in October. Plus, in addition to terrific feedback from our employees, customers, partners and media, we received 118 applications for the pilot program that will start in January 2017. (Stay tuned for an announcement on pilot participants!)
We have to keep that momentum going for the launch of the full program at the start of next school year. Here’s where we need your help to get the word out. We are looking for eligible schools, school districts, non-profits and community groups from all across the country to apply. We want to work with a variety of organizations so we can support 1 million high schoolers with the devices and connectivity they need to get their homework done, communicate with their teachers, and apply for jobs, scholarships and college – improving their lives.
Now – the fine print. The application period is currently open and closes on March 31, 2017. The program starts at the beginning of the 2017-18 school year and runs for five years. Interested organizations must be able to enroll and support between a minimum of 2,500 and a maximum of 25,000 high school students over the five year distribution period.
So, what can you do to help?
If you know of a school or organization that could benefit, encourage them to visitwww.sprint.com/1millionproject to sign up for an upcoming conference call to learn more about the initiative or complete an application.
If you support our mission and want to spread the news, use the hashtag #1MillionProject on social media or follow and retweet Sprint’s CEO @MarceloClaure as he shares updates as well as @SprintNews.
And, anyone who wants to give to the program can donate an old phone or tablet at a local Sprint store to help buy new devices for students.
Still have questions? Check out these FAQs, call us at 866-414-3225 or email1million@sprint.com.
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