Closing the Divide

Expand Access at School

Schools with high percentage of students without having access to home Internet need to

be proactive in providing robust, having access during the school day. Internet connectivity

needs to be available for students to work before and after school. Offer wireless access in study

halls, the cafeteria, and the library throughout the day. Some school districts serving large rural

populations have added cellular wireless connectivity to school buses, creating "rolling study

halls" for students as they ride to and from home or activities.

Work with the Community

Students and their families may not be aware that many community organizations offer free

Internet access. Public libraries have long provided this service to patrons. YMCAs, YWCAs,

and other community centers where kids spend time outside school can be sources of

connectivity. And of course, businesses like coffee shops often provide customers access to their

wireless networks.