internet

Longmont Community Foundation offers free internet to low-income families with children in school – Longmont Times-Call











A NextLight field supervisor ties a line to a fiber optic cable near Heatherhill Circle and Renaissance Drive in Longmont on in 2016.


A NextLight field supervisor ties a line to a fiber optic cable near Heatherhill Circle and Renaissance Drive in Longmont on in 2016. (File photo)

As schools become increasingly digitized, the internet is no longer a luxury. Everything from students completing their homework, to accessing reading materials and even studying for tests, is done online.

The St. Vrain Valley School District was an early investor in NextLight, Longmont’s fiber optic municipal internet service, for that very reason. But, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, 15 percent of homes in Longmont still don’t have access to broadband internet, leaving some children without the necessary tools for success.

Recognizing the problem, the Longmont Community Foundation has rolled out the Sharing the NextLight initiative along with Longmont Power and Communications and Longmont Children Youth and Family Services.

Starting March 1, Sharing the NextLight will provide 20 families with a free 25 megabit NextLight connection with a built-in wireless router, normally priced at 48.90 a month.

“For those with limited access to resources, a digital divide can have an impact on their potential for success,” Christina Sims, division manager of Longmont Children, Youth and Families, said. “Our partnership with Longmont Power & Communications and with the Longmont Community Foundation is essential to addressing this divide in our community. We look forward to the support that Sharing the NextLight will offer to students and families.”

Largely funded by the Community Foundation, the local nonprofit aims to raise $60,000 for Sharing the NextLight by July 1, so that 100 families can be served for the 2019-2020 school year. Depending on the need, Scott Rochat, a spokesman for Longmont Power and Communications, said that depending on the need expressed during its first year Sharing the NextLight could be expanded in future years to serve more than 100 families.

“Sharing the NextLight fits so well with our mission of improving the community for all,” said Eric Hozempa, director of the Longmont Community Foundation. “Sharing the NextLight will help low-income students use the technology tools they need and not run the risk of falling behind their peers.”

To be considered, families can apply to Longmont Children, Youth & Families. Qualifying families must live in Longmont, have children attending K-12 in the St. Vrain Valley School District and receive free or reduced lunch assistance.

To support the program, donors should go to longmontfoundation.org, click on “Donate,” then choose “Sharing the NextLight.”

All donations are tax-deductible.

John Spina: 303-473-1389, jspina@times-call.com or twitter.com/jsspina24

 





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