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TRYON – Access to reliable connectivity causes a divide between Tryon area youth who have access and those who do not. Currently, 35% of low-income households lack any access to broadband service at home. This leads to an issue known as the “homework gap” among students who lack proper internet access. To close this gap, UScellular has launched the After School Access Project, a program that provides free mobile hotspots and service to nonprofits that support youth after the school day has ended and provides safe internet access for homework and education. 

 

This is an expansion of previous hotspot donations the company provided to address connectivity needs during the pandemic. Seeing the greater need, the company has pledged to donate up to $13 million in hotspots and service to connect up to 50,000 youth in 2022. Eligible 501c3 Tryon nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply by going to newsroom.uscellular.com/after-school-access-project

 

“When we heard the stories of youth who couldn’t get access to reliable internet for their schoolwork, we knew we had to act,” said April Taylor, area sales manager for UScellular in western North Carolina. “Connecting people and communities is our mission and the After School Access Project is just one way that we’re helping ensure students like the ones here in Tryon have the reliable access they need to grow and pursue their dreams.”  

 

Hotspots are stand-alone Wi-Fi networks that can connect several devices at once wirelessly and have proven to be a vital tool for youth to access the internet, study and complete homework. In 2021, UScellular donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country, a $2.6 million investment. Clubs have used them to boost their connectivity on site and loaned the devices out to youth and their families to support reliable access at home.

 

Certified 501c3 nonprofit organizations who operate within UScellular’s service area, and are focused on kindergarten through 12th grade and are not a school or government entity are welcomed to apply

 

Hotspot devices will be shipped to nonprofit organizations within 6 to 8 weeks of an approved, completed application. 

 

“Closing the digital divide will require the involvement of many organizations and that is why we encourage nonprofits working with youth in afterschool programs here in Tryon to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing,” said Taylor. 

 

Submitted by Melissa McIntyre