UScellular pledges up to $13 million to help youth connect, close homework gap

Company launches After School Access Project for eligible nonprofits to receive free hotspots, service

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.

Access to reliable connectivity causes a divide between youth who have access and those who do not, according to a UScellular news release. Currently, 35% of low-income households lack any access to broadband service at home, a Pew Research Center report shows. This leads to an issue known as the “homework gap” among students who lack proper internet access.

The new project is an expansion of previous hotspot donations the company provided to address connectivity needs during the pandemic, according to a news release.

Seeing the greater need, the company has pledged to donate up to $13 million in hotspots and service in 2022. Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply by going to https://bit.ly/3B7zOZQ.

“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 Josh Olbricht, UScellular’s director of sales for east Iowa. “Connecting people and communities is our mission, and the After School Access Project is just one way that we’re helping ensure students 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 has donated 2,800 hotspots and service to 33 Boys & Girls Clubs across the country for a $2.6 million investment.

Since May, UScellular has donated 280 hotspots worth $230,000 to Boys & Girls Clubs in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Des Moines, Dubuque and Waterloo. 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.

Nonprofit organizations who meet the following criteria are welcomed to apply:

  • Certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
  • Operate within UScellular’s service area
  • Focused on kindergarten through 12th grade
  • Not a school or government entity

Hotspot devices will be shipped to nonprofit organizations within six to eight 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 to apply and use this resource to enhance the important work they are already doing,” Mr. Olbricht said.

UScellular has donated more than $20.8 million, along with numerous experiences and technology items, to nonprofit organizations across the country.