At a time when most schools use some form of online learning, a partnership between the state and several internet providers in South Dakota aims to be sure all K-12 students who need a reliable internet connection at home, have one for the rest of this school year (2020-21).
The K-12 Connect program provides internet service at no cost to eligible households using federal CARES Act funds. Enrollment closes Nov. 20, 2020.
Households must meet all of the following:
- Have at least one student currently enrolled in an accredited South Dakota K-12 school;
- Must meet the income eligibility guidelines for the free and reduced school lunch program; and
- The household was not subscribed to a fixed broadband internet service as of July 1, 2020.
South Dakota households eligible for the program will receive a letter this week identifying a telecommunications company to call to access free internet service through K-12 Connect. To enroll, eligible households must call the telecommunications company noted in their letter to set up service. Providers will install the necessary equipment on a first-come, first-serve basis. Internet service will be provided through June 30, 2021. After that time, the household must return the equipment to the provider or continue services at the household’s expense.
More information, including options for households who may qualify but don’t receive a letter, can be found at k12connect.sd.gov.
Telecommunications companies who are participating in K-12 Connect include:
- Alliance Communications Cooperative
- Beresford Municipal Telephone Company
- Faith Municipal Telephone Company
- Fort Randall Telephone Company
- Golden West Telecommunications
- Interstate Telecommunications Cooperative
- Kennebec Telephone Company
- Long Lines Broadband
- Midco
- Midstate Communications
- RC Technologies
- Santel Communications Cooperative
- Swiftel Communications/Brookings Municipal Telephone
- TrioTel Communications
- Valley Telecommunications Cooperative
- Vast
- Venture Communications Cooperative
- West River Cooperative Telephone Company
- West River Telecommunications Cooperative
Comments