Digital inclusion for all students is more urgent than ever. While New York State leaders claim 98% broadband coverage statewide, this not the case for all New Yorkers, including many low-income households, NYCHA residents, families in shelter, and those in rural areas.

Priority must be given to connect all students with the equipment and supports they need to fully participate in and have optimal online educational experiences.

This includes addressing barriers to remote learning such as reliable and accessible broadband connectivity, providing students with appropriate devices for their grade-level and curriculums, tech support, the homework gap, and increasing computer literacy for families. Failure to close the digital divide is detrimental to students’ education and will leave many behind. At a time when we need connectivity the most, closing the digital divide will help students can thrive.

• All students have appropriate fully functional digital devices and technical support immediately

• All students have access to stable, reliable internet service

• All families clearly understand how to access devices, digital support and reliable internet service

• Internet service is a public good, like water and electricity, supported by government and accessible to all.

Local

New York City Department of Education must

• Ensure and be held accountable for every student having appropriate, fully functioning digital devices and the maintenance of those devices

• Ensure distribution of working, quality laptops and iPads that are appropriate for level and rigor of coursework

• Ensure increased communication and collaboration between city agencies to facilitate access to families in NYCHA housing and city shelters

• Increase access to technical assistance for students and families in multiple languages

Colleges must

• provide access to laptops and maintenance of laptops

• ensure distribution of working, quality laptops and iPads and ensure the devices are appropriate for level and rigor of coursework

• keep computer labs open and accessible

• increase access to technical assistance for students and families in multiple languages

The City of New York must

• Request an oversight hearing on digital divide to hold the city accountable for equitable access for all students

• Ensure digital and internet access for every K-12 and college student in order to support persistence and academic success

State

The State of New York must

• Request an oversight hearing on digital divide

• Ensure that all residents have broadband access, including those in NYCHA housing, shelter and rural areas

• Pass NY State Senate Bill S3589 (Parker) encouraging public-private partnerships to help spread broadband deployment.

COMING SOON

COMING SOON

COMING SOON