One Economy, Cricket Communications, Google and Qualcomm
through its Wireless Reach initiative, have teamed up with the
San Diego County Office of Education and Computers 2 SD Kids
to provide refurbished computers and wireless Internet to 220
families participating in the Migrant Education program throughout
San Diego county as part of Project Unlimited Access.
The Migrant Education program is federally funded and authorized through the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and it is designed to provide supplementary educational and support services through collaboration with school districts and other community agencies to maximize the potential of migrant students.
Working closely with parents, each district designs its own plan of services in order to provide the most effective program possible, ensure equitable opportunities and increase graduation rates.
With a grant from Qualcomm’s Wireless Reach initiative and contributions from One Economy, Cricket Communications, Google, Computers 2 SD Kids and the San Diego County Office of Education, Project Unlimited Access has been able to provide a total of 470 families throughout San Diego County with computers and wireless Internet service.
The second phase of the San Diego rollout has focused on migrant students. Many migrant families move to find new employment because of the uncertain economy affected by supply and demand and climate. The patterns of migration are well established for states such as California, where families travel the length of the West Coast throughout the agricultural picking season.
In addition, this connectivity provides families and students with the ability to continue to access Migrant Education programs and services such as: conducting research for school assignments; obtaining information about universities, scholarships and jobs; submitting applications; taking SAT test preparation lessons; and accessing district portals for parent information. Intersession and summer programs also can be accessed including: academic tutoring; preschool readiness; Cyber High for making up credit deficiencies; Reading Is Fundamental (RIF); and Parent Education programs.
Students with only limited access to the Internet are disadvantaged compared to those who have the means to access the Internet anywhere and anytime. This project demonstrates the benefits of 21st century technology and the importance of ensuring it is made available to everyone,” said Kristin Atkins, director for Qualcomm Government Affairs.
By TelecomLead.com Team
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