District, city helping bridge the digital divide in Casa Grande
3TV/CBS 5
The pandemic has exacerbated the digital “haves” and “have-nots” through online learning. Now one Arizona school district and one city are changing all that and the best part, it’s free.
Our goal is to get internet in the hands of families and students and we will do whatever it takes to make sure that happens,” said Michael Cruz, director of communications and marketing for the Casa Grande Elementary School District. “One of the biggest challenges for distance learning is to be able to ensure students have the adequate resources to be able to participate in the learning environment.”
The district has made sure every student has a device but about 1,600 students don’t have reliable internet. The district provided hot spots and learning hubs where students can safely gather to connect and learn online. It’s a short-term fix but not a long-term solution. Now that is changing through a new public and private partnership that guarantees internet and, in some cases, free internet for five years.
