Imagine No Internet
Imagine there was no internet and instead, you had to work long hours in a library, navigating the Dewey decimal system through the stacks for a research project. Imagine not being able to Google… anything. It may seem hard to fathom, especially for a generation born into the digital age, but as nearly one million New York City public school students head back to the daily grind, there are many without the broadband access that most curriculums require.
The Digital Divide
That’s why T-Mobile launched Project 10 Million – an initiative to end the digital divide and connect 10 million eligible, K-12 students across the country to a reliable internet connection by providing them with 100GBs of data a year for five years, free mobile hotspots and access to low-cost laptops and tablets. Eligibility includes, but is not limited to, those receiving Medicaid, foster youth, and those in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Since its inception, the program has connected six million students and provided more than $6 billion worth of products and devices.
Connecting the Community
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, T-Mobile, along with Common, made a cameo appearance at the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club in Soundview to offer free internet to its members. The club prides itself on providing educational and developmental programs with a focus on children ages six through 18. Founded in 1915, the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club has a long history of providing a safe haven for children and has recently undergone state-of-the-art renovations.
A Message of Encouragement
Common, the Grammy-award-winning rapper, actor, and activist, delivered a powerful message to the students, stressing the importance of good adult role models and listing his mother, who was an educator, as a great motivator. He encouraged the students to value themselves and their worth, telling them that they deserve access to the internet and other resources.
Conclusion
The digital divide is a real issue that affects millions of students across the country. Initiatives like T-Mobile’s Project 10 Million are crucial in connecting these students to the internet and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club is a shining example of what can be achieved when the community comes together to provide support and resources to young people.
FAQs
Q: What is Project 10 Million?
A: Project 10 Million is an initiative by T-Mobile to connect 10 million eligible, K-12 students across the country to a reliable internet connection by providing them with 100GBs of data a year for five years, free mobile hotspots and access to low-cost laptops and tablets.
Q: Who is eligible for Project 10 Million?
A: Eligibility includes, but is not limited to, those receiving Medicaid, foster youth, and those in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Q: What is the Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club?
A: The Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club is a non-profit organization that provides educational and developmental programs for children ages six through 18. Founded in 1915, the club has a long history of providing a safe haven for children and has recently undergone state-of-the-art renovations.
