Creating Learning Connections: Making Digital Learning Accessible

To see the announcement of this program, visit here.

The Digital Divide is real

A nationwide survey of First Book’s Network of educators showed that children in need do not have adequate resources to engage in virtual learning.

“These students find themselves at a learning disadvantage. We surveyed families discovering many have only cellphones as their sole access to the internet, no computers, no internet at home, and when available they have multiple siblings and adults competing for these devices.”
Klamath Falls City Schools, Klamath Falls, OR

All kids should have equal access to education.

CDW-G, Intel Corporation ® , the LEGO® Foundation and First Book have collaborated to provide 45 school districts serving kids in need with the resources to support their connection to learning – addressing a fundamental educational inequity.

“We want our students to know they are valued, for the parents and community to know we are doing everything we can to provide students with the tools (i.e. laptops) they need in order to stay connected with their teachers, classmates, and move their learning forward so they are successful when they move on to not only the next grade level, but also life beyond school.”
Cartwright School District, Phoenix, AZ

Intel and CDW-G are providing a total of $5 million in personal computers, software, configuration services and digital learning resources.
Intel is providing stipends of $4,000 to each awarded district to address home internet connectivity for kids in need.
The LEGO Foundation is donating $2 million worth of LEGO Education solutions to support STEAM learning at home and in school.

One hundred and twenty-eight districts across the U.S. applied for the grant, with 46 awardees for the full grant. Thanks to the generosity of the Intel Corporation, the remaining applicants were awarded $41.5 thousand in resource grants to purchase new books, ebooks, and other educational resources from the First Book Marketplace.

“Our goal is that all students will graduate as STEM literate citizens who can apply science, technology, engineering and mathematics to investigate questions and design solutions to problems. The LEGO Education Solutions materials would be an ideal way to help us achieve our goals as well as would emphasize to both families and students the added benefit of receiving a STEAM focused education.”

Baltimore City Schools, Baltimore, MD

Awardees represent communities across the United States

The 46 awardees include:

Arizona
Casa Blanca Community School, Bapchule, AZ
Chandler Unified School District, Chandler, AZ
Arizona Autism Charter School, Phoenix, AZ
Cartwright School District, Phoenix, AZ
Imagine Desert West Middle School, Phoenix, AZ
Isaac School District, Phoenix, AZ
Pendergast School District, Phoenix, AZ

California
Redwood City School District, Redwood City, CA
Robla School District, Sacramento, CA
Sunrise Middle School, San Jose, CA
Santa Clara Unified School District, Santa Clara, CA

Georgia
Jefferson County School District, Louisville, GA
Colquitt County Schools, Moultrie, GA

Illinois
Chicago Heights School District 170, Chicago Heights, IL
Tamaroa Grade School District #5, Tamaroa, IL

Kentucky
Warren County Public Schools, Bowling Green, KY
Jefferson County Public Schools, Louisville, KY
Madison County Schools, Richmond, KY

Louisiana
FirstLine Schools, New Orleans, LA

Maryland
Baltimore City Public Schools, Baltimore, MD

Michigan
Shepherd Public Schools, Shepherd, MI

Mississippi

Aberdeen School District, AFJROTC Cyber Communication Center, Aberdeen, MS

Moss Point School District, Moss Point, MS
Natchez Adams School District, Natchez, MS
Quitman School District, Quitman, MS
Tunica County School District, Tunica, MS

North Carolina
Halifax County School District, Halifax, NC

New Mexico
Mission Achievement and Success Charter Schools, Albuquerque, NM
Jemez Mountain Public School, Gallina, NM
Roswell Independent School District, Roswell, NM

Oregon
South Lane School District, Cottage Grove, OR
Reynolds School District, Fairview, OR
Siuslaw School District, Florence, OR
Klamath Falls City Schools, Klamath Falls, OR
Jefferson County School District 509-J, Madras, OR
Portland Public Schools, Boise-Eliot/Humboldt, Portland, OR
Reedsport School District, Reedsport, OR

Pennsylvania
Interboro School District, Prospect Park, PA

South Carolina
Laurens SC District 55, Laurens, SC
Dorchester School District Four, St. George, SC

South Dakota
Tiospaye Topa School, LaPlant, SD

Texas
Cityscape Schools, Dallas, TX
Alief ISD, Houston, TX
Houston ISD, Houston, TX
Southwest Schools, Houston, TX

Washington
Union Gap School District, Union Gap, WA

Thank you to CDW-G, Intel, and LEGO Foundation!

“This is a phenomenal award for our students and families! It’s particularly meaningful right now, as many of our school communities are significantly impacted at this time with the COVID-19 pandemic. (The stories you may have seen in the news regarding 10-hour testing lines and 25% positive cases are occurring in the heart of our school system.) This award will allow us to get these learning tools and an extra shot of joy into some households that could really use that right now.”

Pendergast Elementary School, Phoenix, AZ