Creating Learning Connections Initiative Aims to Bridge Digital Divide in Schools

Strategic Insights -

A nationwide survey of educators revealed that 40% of children in need in the U.S. lack reliable internet access and almost 40% are without functional devices, exacerbating the crisis in education for children in poverty. First Book, a nonprofit organization, partnered with CDW-G, Intel Corporation, and LEGO Education and the LEGO Foundation to launch the Creating Learning Connections initiative, providing learning solutions to support students in Title I schools affected by the pandemic. This initiative aims to close the digital divide by providing students with internet connectivity, technology devices, and hands-on STEAM learning solutions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Creating Learning Connections initiative was launched by First Book, CDW-G, Intel Corporation, and LEGO Education and the LEGO Foundation to address the digital divide in schools.
  • A nationwide survey of educators revealed that 40% of children in need in the U.S. lack reliable internet access and almost 40% are without functional devices.
  • The initiative will provide learning solutions, including internet connectivity, technology devices, and hands-on STEAM learning solutions, to support students in Title I schools affected by the pandemic.
  • The program will provide critical at-home and in-classroom learning resources to support several thousand students and families.
  • Intel and CDW-G are providing a total of $5 million in personal computers, software, configuration services, and digital learning resources.
  • The LEGO Foundation is donating $2 million worth of LEGO Education solutions to support STEAM learning at home and in school.
  • Districts will be invited to choose from three age-appropriate solutions to support STEAM learning for grades 2-8.
  • The program will support underserved families in 17 states, with nearly 15,000 devices and 7,500 LEGO Education solutions being delivered to 45 School Districts.
  • The application period ran May 19 through June 5, with 128 school districts applying.
  • Forty-five school districts were selected through a multi-phase review process.

Statistics:

  • 40% of children in need in the U.S. lack reliable internet access (First Book survey).
  • Almost 40% of children in need in the U.S. are without functional devices (First Book survey).
  • $5 million in personal computers, software, configuration services, and digital learning resources will be provided by Intel and CDW-G.
  • $2 million worth of LEGO Education solutions will be donated by the LEGO Foundation.
  • 15,000 devices and 7,500 LEGO Education solutions will be delivered to 45 School Districts.
  • 128 school districts applied during the application period (May 19 through June 5).
  • 45 School Districts were selected through a multi-phase review process.

Sources:

  • First Book, "Creating Learning Connections Initiative Aims to Bridge Digital Divide in Schools"
  • CDW-G, "CDW-G Partners with First Book to Support Students in Need"
  • Intel Corporation, "Intel and CDW-G Partner with First Book to Create Learning Connections"
  • LEGO Education, "LEGO Education Partners with First Book to Support Students in Need"
  • First Book, "About First Book"
  • CDW-G, "About CDW-G"
  • Intel Corporation, "About Intel Corporation"
  • LEGO Education, "About LEGO Education"
  • The LEGO Foundation, "About the LEGO Foundation"