About

What is ConnectME?

ConnectME, or Connect My Education, is a program that aims to eliminate the digital divide, also known as the homework gap. This pilot program is working to bring internet into the homes of students without adequate access today. Our vision for ConnectME is to approach this work in a way that allows for a systematic solution that scales for our entire district.

How did ConnectME start?

Our efforts in this area began several years ago, in collaboration with Impact on Education and Boulder Housing Partners. We have since shifted to a method that does not conflict with the Federal Communication Commission’s restrictions on taking internet to the homes of our children without raising any fees.

Currently, we are working in a public-private partnership with a company called LiveWireNet®. Livewire specializes providing in high-speed, over-the-air internet to buildings. In exchange for real estate access for their small transmitter, Livewire is providing free internet at homes of our students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.

We are also excited about a new partnership opportunity we are exploring with Zayo to make wireless connections available to BVSD families in Kestrel, a Boulder County affordable housing community.

Which schools are a part of the ConnectME program?

Currently, the Livewire pilot is at two schools. Sanchez Elementary went “live” in the spring of 2017, and Angevine Middle School will be up and running by the end of 2017. Our goal is to expand the impact of the ConnectME pilot by growing from the initial five families that are receiving free internet to more than 30 by the end of the 2017-2018 school year. If the pilot is successful, a broader rollout of this technology could start as early as the fall of 2018.