‘Chicago Connected’ program was founded to assist Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and Charter School students with high-speed internet at no cost to their families. This groundbreaking program is one of the largest efforts by any city in the United States to provide students with internet access, according to CPS’s website.
Data from a recent Census report estimates that 100,000 students lack access to high-speed internet in Chicago. ‘Chicago Connected’ was created to offer CPS families who are most in need of high-speed internet for up to four years.
The first two years of the program will be majority funded by philanthropic partners, including $250,000 from the Joyce Foundation, $500,000 from the JPB Foundation, $1.5 million from the Pritzker Traubert Foundation, $2 million from Illinois Tool Works, $2.5 million from the Chicago Community COVID-19 Response Fund (through Chicago Community Trust and United Way of Metro Chicago), $5 million from Crown Family Philanthropies, and $7.5 million from Founder and CEO of Citadel, Ken Griffin.
“Internet connectivity is a lifeline to education and opportunity,” Griffin told CPS. He added that the ‘Chicago Connected’ program would extend “learning beyond the classroom and opening pathways for development and wellbeing.” Having high-speed internet access will allow students and their families – regardless of economic circumstances – to be in a better position to pursue a brighter future. “I hope ‘’Chicago Connected’’ will inspire other communities across the country to come together to eliminate the digital divide,” Griffin stated.
In addition to the philanthropic partner, a joint commitment of $750,000 from former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, the Chicago Community Trust to the Children First Fund (CFF), the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, along with the independent partnership and philanthropy arm for Chicago Public Schools, will support efforts by community-based organizations on the South Side. Alongside these generous commitments, ‘Chicago Connected’ funding will also come from $5 million of CARES Act funding from the City of Chicago, which will fund years one and two of the program.
The Obama family commented that they wanted “every kid in Chicago to grow up knowing even better opportunities than we had – and that requires full and equitable access to the best tools and resources.” They added that they were “happy to help ‘Chicago Connected’ reach every kid in the city.” This is where we found a purpose and a family – and it’ll always be our home.”
In April 2020, Kids First and the Metropolitan Planning Council release their “Digital Equity In Education In the Coronavirus Era” report. Their data showed that one in five children under the age of 18 lacked access to broadband citywide, equating to more than 110,000 kids.
According to the report, predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods show startling gaps in internet connectivity. These areas include:
- Almost one in three households in Humboldt Park, including 33% or 5,100 of all residing children.
- Nearly one in two households in West Englewood, including 46% or 3,100 of all residing children.
- A little over one in three households in Austin, including 33% or 8,000 residing children.
The study also showed that over 5,000 CPS families have connected with the program. The numbers are still low in certain areas of the city.
‘Chicago Connected’ increases internet access for these communities. This would help them gain access to telehealth and other ancillary benefits in addition to helping students with their school work.
Tammy Riley works for Phalanx Family Services in their ‘Chicago Connected’ program. She helps families sign up for the internet program and guides them to other services they may need.
“Chicago Connect is just one resource. Even with Phalanx, we offer several wrap-around services,” Riley stated. “If people are in need of rental assistance, help with utilities, or have a desire to go back to school, Phalanx can help.”
Phalanx also has a program specific to young adults. “Young people get lost in transition,” Riley added.
“I think that anything we can do to help better the living conditions for people is important. It’s important in these times that we become bridges of opportunity for people. For Phalanx, this means a close-knit body or group of people joined together by a common goal. I think that is something we need to remember. Let’s join together for a common goal. Let’s see us all advance, grow, bloom and blossom,” she concluded.
Families can check to see if they are eligible for the ‘Chicago Connected’ program by logging onto CPS’s or Phalanx Family Services websites. People can also sign up for the program by calling Tammy Riley at 773-823-8962 or attending the Spring Break Jam. Phalanx will have someone there to assist people signing up for ‘Chicago Connected.’
Written by Sheena Robertson
Sources:
Chicago Public Schools: Program Partners
Interview: Tammy Riley on March 31, 2022
Phalanx Family Services: What is Chicago Connected?
Chicago: Chicago Connected Launches Partnership with Coursera, Offering Free Certifications, Workforce Development, And Courses for To Up To 1,000 Families participating in Chicago Connected can now access 5,000+ courses and 30+ professional certificates on-demand at no cost; by Mayor’s Press Office
Top and Featured Image by Mweufika Courtesy of Wikimedia – Creative Commons License
First Inline Image Courtesy of Nenad Stojkovic’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of May’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
