The Digital Divide aka Homework Gap was the focus of a recent Parentology article looking at how children from lower-income homes are at a disadvantage educationally due to lack of internet.
Some stats via the 1million Project: 70% of America’s school teachers assign homework to be completed online, but more than 5 million families with school-aged children don’t have reliable internet connectivity at home.
When Marcelo Claure read an article about the Homework Gap back in 2015, he took action. By October 2016, he announced the creation of the 1Million Project at a town hall meeting with President Barack Obama.
Launched in 2017, the 1Million Project is on a mission to help one million high school students without reliable home internet access “reach their full potential by giving them mobile devices and free high-speed internet access.”
This video from the organization delves a bit deeper.
Read on for more places students without home internet access can turn to for assistance.
While changes within school systems can take time, all is not lost. Below, we’ve listed just a sampling of organizations that support providing computers, internet tools and educational resources to low-income or at-risk children and families.
Please note, many of these sites have comprehensive application processes to ensure proper criteria are met.
In the US
Computers With Causes
- Offers free computers to individuals and organizations in need.
- There’s a strict application process.
Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC)
- Gives refurbished computers to low-income families and at-risk individuals.
- Individuals and families may qualify if they’re currently receiving some type of government assistance (Medicaid or Medicare, food stamps, etc.)
Everyone On
- A non-profit organization that provides free or low-cost Internet service and computers to low-income families in 48 states.
Electronic Access Foundation
- Provides fully-functioning computers to communities in need.
The On It Foundation
- The “On It” (Opportunities Necessary to Increase Technology) Foundation provides free computers, computer training and Internet to low-income families.
The World Computer Exchange
- Provides computers to those in need.
- Their criteria are restrictive. Check their website for full details.
PCs for People
- To be eligible, recipients should either be below the poverty level, have a family member with a disability or work with a social worker.
Komputers 4 R Kids
- Provides computers to those who need them while also providing education to young people with their Student Repair Program.
- Their services are restricted to the Los Angeles and Orange County areas.
Microsoft Registered Refurbishers
- Helps low-income families receive access to refurbished computers.
- They also provide refurbishers with Windows and Microsoft software to put on their refurbished laptops and PCs for free.
In Canada:
Sky’s The Limit Youth Org
- Provides laptops and resource access to at-risk youth in Canada.
- Stay tuned. They may be building an American branch in the months to come.
