One Economy, Cricket Communications Inc., Google and Qualcomm Inc., through its Wireless Reach initiative, have teamed up with the San Diego County Office of Education and Computers 2 SD Kids to provide refurbished computers and wireless Internet to 220 families participating in the Migrant Education Program throughout San Diego County as part of Project Unlimited Access.
The Migrant Education Program is federally funded and authorized through the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and it is designed to provide supplementary educational and support services through collaboration with school districts and other community agencies to maximize the potential of migrant students. Working closely with parents, each district designs its own plan of services in order to provide the most effective program possible, ensure equitable opportunities and increase graduation rates.
“Students with only limited access to the Internet are disadvantaged compared to those who have the means to access the Internet anywhere and anytime,” says Kristin Atkins, director for Qualcomm Government Affairs. “This project demonstrates the benefits of 21st century technology and the importance of ensuring it is made available to everyone. Qualcomm believes that mobile broadband is a key tool for enabling digital equity. We are pleased to be working with the San Diego County Office of Education to enable access to educational resources for underserved families.”
With a grant from Qualcomm’s Wireless Reach initiative and contributions from One Economy, Cricket Communications, Google, Computers 2 SD Kids and the San Diego County Office of Education, Project Unlimited Access has been able to provide a total of 470 families throughout San Diego County with computers and wireless Internet service.
“The Migrant Education Program is deeply grateful to all the alliance partners for helping bridge the digital divide for this worthy population of students,” says E. Sheli Silva, executive director of the Migrant Education Program for San Diego County. “Without the opportunity provided by the alliance partners, these students would have no means to access this wonderful resource.”
