AT&T Provides Internet Connectivity to At-Risk Students

Through free devices for students and a discounted wireless offer for schools, AT&T is breaking down the barriers to learning for the students who need it most

What’s the news?  As students and teachers cross the threshold into a full year of remote learning, AT&T and leading nonprofit Connected Nation are continuing work to put the connectivity solutions vital to education into the hands of those who need it most. Nearly 17 million children are unable to take part because their families don’t have an internet connection or device to support digital learning.

Today, as part of our $10 million commitment to bridge the homework gap, we’re announcing the selection of more than 100 organizations and school districts across the country that will receive¹ free wireless hotspots as well as wireless data and content filtering services. We plan to reach more than 35,000 students with this connectivity, including some of our nation’s most vulnerable students, such as those in foster care, English language learners, and students with disabilities, or those experiencing homelessness. Many of these students have lacked access to the connectivity and devices required to learn since the shift to remote learning almost a year ago.

In addition, AT&T is expanding affordability and flexibility to its education customers with a new offer that includes options for a free hotspot device as well as an option for schools that want to bring their own device², all at discounted prices.

Whether students are learning remotely or in the classroom, having access to affordable high-speed internet and devices helps ensure successful learning outcomes.

What will this mean for students?

The Elwyn Davidson School in Media, PA serves students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, neurological impairment, vision and hearing impairment, intellectual disabilities, behavioral challenges, and medically fragile conditions. Elwyn will receive 369 hot spots to serve their vulnerable students with connectivity. “We expect our students will continue to learn virtually for the foreseeable future as many are unable to wear masks due to acute medical and sensory needs, said Pam Danner, Executive Director, Technology. “Having consistent internet with these hot spots will make sure these students reach their full academic potential while learning from home.”

Hmong American Peace Academy (HAPA) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin was founded to preserve the Hmong culture while helping students become active and knowledgeable citizens while thriving in academics. HAPA will receive 500 hotspots, which will allow students without reliable internet access to continue learning remotely. “Transitioning from a traditional classroom – with paper and pencil – to the use of devices, was a whole new ballgame for our teachers and our students, many of which are English learners,” said Bao Vickie Xiong, IT Director, HAPA Academy. “With the access provided by these hotspots, our students will be able to complete their assignments and continue learning.”

“For so many students, our nation’s schools and nonprofit organizations are their only source for social connections and resources for remote learning that have become so vital for future success,” said Charlene Lake, Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP, Corporate Social Responsibility, AT&T. “The pandemic has made clear the nation has more work to do to ensure equitable outcomes, and we’re proud to continue our support for those making a difference to students most at risk.”

“Schools and organizations around the country face significant needs to connect students with the resources required to continue learning in a remote environment and beyond,” said Brent Legg, EVP, Government Affairs for Connected Nation. “We are inspired by the hard work and dedication of all organizations working to provide high-quality learning experiences amid today’s challenges.”

Affordable Wireless Offer for Schools

AT&T continues to offer discounted options to more than 135,000 public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities to help keep students and teachers connected.  Offer details include:

• Schools can migrate existing AT&T lines or activate new lines for students on a qualified unlimited³ wireless data plan and content filtering service for a combined promotional price of $12 or $13 a month when adding Moxee™ mobile hotspots at no cost after bill credits.⁴ For the unlimited data plan, after 50GB of data use on a line, AT&T may temporarily slow data speeds on that line if the network is busy.
• AT&T is also helping our classroom superheroes do what they do best every day. For every 24 qualified student activations above, schools can activate 1 line with the same services for a teacher at no cost after bill credits.
• The offer is good through April 26, 2021 – schools that add at least one eligible line as part of this new offer can also activate additional lines at the same price through September 30, 2023, at which point the promotional pricing ends.

Learn more about the offer here or visit www.att.com/closethegap.