Free Wi-Fi hot spots are coming to Mishawaka students. Here's what you need to know.
Citywide Classroom, a program started in 2020 to bring free internet connectivity to South Bend students, is expanding to Mishawaka.
As the program's next partner, Mishawaka schools will work with local nonprofit enFocus to provide more than 200 hotspots to students. Needs-based distribution started in August with a goal of providing as many devices as possible to eligible families early in the academic year.
To participate, students must be enrolled in free and reduced price meal benefits within their school district, according to the Citywide Classroom website.
“Citywide Classroom has proven an efficient and effective program in South Bend,” Mishawaka Technology Director Matt Modlin said in a news release. “We look forward to bringing these same benefits to students and families in need in our district.”
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In Mishawaka, that could help at least some of the 15% of students who lack internet access at home.
The program started early in the coronavirus pandemic to assist South Bend families in need of internet services as schools shifted to remote learning.
The program launched in the fall of 2020 as a collaboration between enFocus and South Bend schools, and is funded through a $1.8 million federal CARES Act grant.
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An estimated 15% to 30% of households in South Bend experience connectivity challenges, according to the news release. In addition, more than 4,200 students across South Bend have received at-home services so far through the initiative.
The expansion to Mishawaka will be similarly supported through federal grant funding, as well as local philanthropy.
Long-term, the partnership hopes to explore other state and local philanthropy sources to sustain services after federal pandemic relief funds end, said Gillian Shaw, director of projects for enFocus.
“Anytime we can get improved internet connectivity to our students is a win,” Mishawaka Superintendent Theodore Stevens said. “We’re very thankful for the opportunity to be included in that, and we’re certainly open to further opportunities to expand that if possible.”
Citywide Classroom is planning a distribution event on Sept. 12 for those who are eligible to participate. Families are encouraged to visit citywideclassroom.org to view eligibility requirements and apply for the program.
Email South Bend Tribune education reporter Carley Lanich at clanich@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @carleylanich.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Free Wi-Fi hot spots coming to Mishawaka students. Here's what to know.
