Shelby County Public Schools will receive a $160,000 grant from Sprint, and the 1Million Project Foundation to bring internet access to the rural homes of 160 students, reported Markets Insider. Per a press release, the district will receive an in-kind donation to give each eligible student either a free smartphone or mobile hotspot and 10GB of high-speed wireless data access per month up to four years.
Launched in August 2017, the 1Million Project Foundation’s mission is to help one million high school students achieve their full potential by ensuring they have the digital tools and connectivity they need to succeed in school.
Per the Pew Research Center, in the U.S., there are more than five million families with school-aged kids who do not have home internet access. To date, the 1Million Project Foundation has connected a total of 226,000 students at over 1,900 high schools in 33 states with internet access and devices. The project’s tagline is “Potential is Everywhere. Opportunity is Not℠.”
“Shelby County is the first district in the State of Kentucky to join the 1Million Project, and we are looking forward to making an impact this school year and in the future,” said Doug Michelman, president of the 1Million Project Foundation. “Students whose families cannot afford internet connectivity are at a severe disadvantage. With the support of Sprint, we are working hard to make a meaningful impact on eligible students’ lives by providing both a device and connectivity to help level the playing field.”
After the first year of the program, the vast majority of students (84 percent) said the 1Million Project made it easier for them to complete more of their homework in a comfortable, convenient, and safe place. Additionally, 74 percent said they are more willing to work hard to graduate from high school and, 68 percent said they are more likely to go to college.
Schools or districts who want to apply for the program during the 2020-2021 school year can visit 1millionproject.org/donate. Donations to the 1Million Project Foundation are accepted at 1millionproject.org/donate.
October 17, 2019
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