Sprint to give 2,800 students at MPS free internet, devices
Beginning this fall, 2,800 students at 25 Milwaukee public high schools will receive free wireless devices and free highspeed wireless internet connectivity thanks to Sprint’s 1Million Project, the largest corporate initiative to bridge the digital divide.
MPS will join hundreds of other schools in Sprint’s nationwide project in an effort to close the “Homework Gap” for low-income students who don’t have access to the internet at home. Sprint hopes to add 1 million high school students to the program over the next five years.
Sprint will provide the students with devices such as tablets, smartphones, hot spots and free service up to the four years they’re in school.
Since many components of school work are done online — from digital resources to actual coursework, MPS Library Media Specialist Lisa Chatman said the program is a game-changer for some students.
“Four out of five MPS students are economically disadvantaged and do not always have access to the internet at home,” Chatman said. “The Sprint 1Million Project will help put free devices and free internet service into the hands of MPS students who need it the most, throughout the remainder of their time in high school.”
Chatman said the devices will be distributed through each school’s library media center during the first few weeks of school.
“This project offers more than internet access for homework,” Chatman said. “This is an opportunity to impact the lives and futures of MPS students.”