The Cost To Fix Education’s Digital Divide

The problem of digital equity in US public school systems has been wrestled with for decades. Maybe it took a global pandemic to finally solve it. The analyst group Funds For Learning crunched the numbers last week and breaks down how much it will cost to put an Internet-connected device into the hands of every American student that needs one:

There are 7.15 million families in the United States without Internet access who are unable to attend remote classes. Millions of K‐12 students are falling behind because they are cut off from their teachers and educational resources. $7.5 billion could significantly address this gap:   

  • $4.29 billion for off‐campus Internet connections.
  • $1.79 billion for connected learning devices, such as laptops. 
  • $1.46 billion for cybersecurity to keep networks up and running.

Congress and the FCC can take action to get those students connected to the Internet and into  online school now, and in the years to come. By leveraging the existing E‐rate funding program, Congress could provide $5.25 billion in support to help schools and libraries connect the students who need it the most. This financial aid would be focused on the goods and services necessary to keep students and teachers connected to the Internet when they are at home. The remaining $2.29 billion would be paid by schools and libraries with funding from other sources. 

The whitepaper may be downloaded here.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Latest

Finding your identity
Finding Your Identity with Dustin Odham
June 6, 2023

In an era where screens dominate our time, finding your personal identity becomes a challenge. Our generation is shaping itself based on an increasingly virtual world, often losing touch with the inner self. In fact, a recent study suggests that we could end up spending at least ten years of our life in front of […]

Read More
COS
Conversations from Shoptalk Europe: Retail Refined meets with Christoffer Sellin from COS
June 6, 2023

Shoptalk Europe 2023 brought the technologies and channels driving the future of retail into a clear perspective. This year’s annual event from May 9-11 in Barcelona allowed Retail Refined’s Melissa Gonzalez to sit down with key stakeholders making a difference in the market. COS (Collection of Style) is a European fashion brand doing innovative things […]

Read More
PGA Tour LIV Golf Merger
Why the Merger of the PGA Tour and LIV Golf is Great for Golf
June 6, 2023

The PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and DP World Tour have announced their merger, putting an end to the conflict that has dominated sports business news for the past 18 months. This merger is expected to bring more financial opportunities, increased accessibility for fans, and a variety of golf events. It is seen as a […]

Read More