Aloha,
As we begin 2023, I want to thank you for your tireless leadership and support for our students and educators. During this time of continued recovery, you serve as unwavering pillars of hope and strength for your communities, and for that we are deeply grateful.
As you know well, the pandemic transformed education, in part by expanding digital opportunities for learners of all ages to creatively explore their individual interests, identities, and potentials. However, for these opportunities to be available to all, we must collectively commit to advancing digital equity. We know our marginalized communities, as well as students from low-income backgrounds, are disproportionately impacted by the digital divide.
Therefore, I want to share a few ways that your students can participate in learning experiences enabled through the effective use of technology:
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) allows qualifying households to reduce their internet costs by up to $30/month ($75/month on Tribal lands). Getinternet.gov is an easy-to-use website with details on how households can sign up for ACP and find providers. This FAQs and resources page, which includes a template letter, can help you inform families that they are eligible for the program if their child receives free or reduced-price school meals.
Furthermore, under the Internet for All initiative, state leaders will soon develop plans to spend federal broadband funds. We encourage you and your communities to collaborate with your state’s broadband and digital equity leaders to ensure investments equitably meet your local needs. To help, this guidance resource may provide good starting points for dialogue that bridges the gap between the education and broadband sectors.
If you are interested in learning more, join us for this multi-agency and federal partner webinar led by the FCC, NASSP and NAESP, Department of Education, and the White House scheduled for 4:00 pm EST on 2/15. To RSVP, please use this link: https://fcc-gov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_bNZpJo_dRrWYt86Aa0sfGA
I look forward to working with you as we move into this shared future.
Mahalo,
Ronn Nozoe
Chief Executive Officer
National Association of Secondary School Principals