Focus Area
Digital Equity
Training, consulting, and support for increasing access to connectivity, digital content, and tech-powered learning.
Closing the digital divide
National education leaders and advocates agree¹ — inequitable access to today’s tech-powered learning opportunities represents a significant barrier to inclusivity, academic achievement, and fruitful participation in a tech-driven workforce.
All students deserve equitable access to technology’s educational promise of transformative engagement, expression, and collaboration. We are committed to supporting Illinois K-12 schools and educators toward that promise, ensuring that learning opportunities are not curtailed by limitations in digital design or use.
Through our resources and expertise, we offer guidance and consulting focused on every phase of technology in schools, including:
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- Identifying and obtaining state, federal, and grant funding opportunities
- Developing policies and practices that ensure equitable access to digital resources
- Implementing and maintaining 1:1 device programs
- Empowering modern learning practices through reliable connectivity and device access
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Service Area
E-Rate & Technology Funding
Reliable annual technology and internet funding can make an outsized impact on your district’s educational mission.
Our experienced funding specialist provides complimentary E-Rate consulting to Illinois schools, including:
- Application Support: Assistance in preparing and submitting E-Rate applications
- Compliance and Advocacy: Expert advice to ensure your projects comply with E-Rate rules and regulations
- Training and Workshops: Educational sessions that demystify the E-Rate process and enhance your in-house capabilities
Service Area
Digital Accessibility
While it is essential in all learning environments, developing and maintaining compliant digital accessibility means more than checking a box.
Our primer summarizes updated digital accessibility mandates for K-12 schools, and illustrates foundational practices educators can use to make digital content more accessible.
Resources & Additional Supports
Access looks different from district to district, and from classroom to classroom. These 3rd party resources can extend your understanding of digital equity in practice, including strategies and solutions for enhancing connectivity and creating accessible content:
Policy & Planning
- K-12 Digital Equity Framework (Digital Promise) | A systematic framework for leaders, teachers, and coaches comprised of five interdependent domains, including consistent access to devices and connectivity
- Creating Innovative Learning Environments to Support Equitable Learning Opportunities (Future Ready) | Resources, case studies, and webinars highlighting how districts are addressing barriers that inhibit high-quality learning
Solutions
Connectivity
- Illinois Century Network | State consortium that provides internet access, last mile broadband connections & routers, WAN circuits, filtering, DDoS protection, and network monitoring to all Illinois K-12 school districts – all at no charge.
- Mission Telecom | Offers low-cost wi-fi and hotspots for schools
Devices
- PCs for People | Offer device recycling, refurbished devices priced for non-profits