After School Access Project
The homework gap is a harsh reality for many students who lack reliable internet access outside the classroom. These students miss out on essential tools and opportunities for continued learning after school. At UScellular, we are working to help end this divide. In 2021, we launched After School Access Project with a pledge to provide up to $13 million in hotspots and service in 2022 to help up to 50,000 youth get connected. In 2023, we extended the commitment with an additional $13 million in hotspots and service.
By partnering with youth-serving nonprofits in UScellular markets, we've been able to bring much-needed connectivity to help youth continue to learn and thrive. Eligible nonprofits are encouraged to apply.
Bridging The
Digital Divide Gap
Nonprofits working with youth can apply if the following criteria is met:
● Certified 501c3 nonprofit organization
● Operate within UScellular’s service area
● Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade youth
● Not a school or government entity
Email AfterSchoolAccess@uscellular.com for more information or apply below.
Thought Leadership
“As we live in an increasingly digital and online world, more educational opportunities, curriculum and programs are turned into digital apps and websites to help reach more youth. But for the youth who don’t have access to reliable internet, it only makes the digital divide even greater.”
– Laurent (LT) Therivel, UScellular CEO
Our CEO shared how UScellular is helping bridge the digital divide and the positive impact that access to reliable internet through After School Access Project has had on youth in this article.
Testimonial
Check out this video to see how the Boys & Girls Club of the Cedar Valley in Waterloo, Iowa finds having access to reliable internet has a positive impact on its youth members. Their afterschool and summer programs use the hotspots for various activities including homework assistance and online math games. The Club also uses the hotspots on field trips to learn about plants, insects and animals when in remote areas. These experiences, along with having access to online Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs help expand Club members future career paths.
Connecting the Numbers
