The City of Chicago and Chicago Public Schools are teaming up once again to ensure that students won't miss a beat in their education due to lack of internet. They've agreed to prolong the life of the Chicago Connected program for the 2025–2026 school year, a move that promises to keep over 40,000 CPS students plugged in to free, high-speed internet at home. This ambitious stride towards digital equity seems to acknowledge that being connected is no mere luxury, but a cornerstone of educational access for all.
Since its inception in 2020, the benefits of Chicago Connected have reached over 200,000 students, becoming less a program than a community mainstay. Bridging the digital divide, it has quietly revolutionized learning from classroom to living room, ensuring homework and the wealth of online resources are just a click away. According to a statement obtained by the City of Chicago's press release, eligibility for no-cost broadband or hotspot service keeps families connected and students on track.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, echoing a belief deep-rooted in the program’s philosophy, declared, "No student in Chicago should fall behind because they can’t log on." It was further stated by Mayor Johnson, as per the press release, that this is a statement not only about bridging gaps but also about "equity, opportunity, and making good on our promise to support every child in every neighborhood." The assurance is that the tools for success shall be dispersed equitably, paving ways for prosperity in every nook of Chicago's diverse landscape.
Especially poignant is the program's focus on the city's vulnerable: students living rough without the anchor of parents or guardians. Through the hands of these students, up to 1,200 cellular smartphones will pass—handed out by the upcoming school year—as noted in the City of Chicago's announcement. These smartphones become a lifeline, equipped with internet access and essential applications, and most critic, a stable conduit for help and guidance.
Dr. Macquline King, CPS Interim Supt/CEO, recognized Chicago Connected as a "essential support system for CPS students," in remarks covered by the official press release. Gratitude was extended to the city for its role in maintaining this educational lifeline, which aligns perfectly with the dawn of a new academic calendar.
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