Haverhill, Methuen and Lawrence are among area school districts and organizations receiving federal money to ensure students can connect to the internet at home for online learning and homework.
Haverhill Public Schools was awarded $823,630, while Hill View Montessori Charter Public School in Haverhill received $88,335. Methuen Public Schools was also awarded $532,476, and Lawrence Family Development Charter School received $158,000; Lawrence Family Development Education Fund, $28,354; and Central Catholic High School, $15,200.
Congresswoman Lori Trahan said Friday 25 schools and libraries in the Third District received a total of $4.3 million in American Rescue Plan grants through the Federal Communications Commission’s Emergency Connectivity Fund Program.
“The pandemic has highlighted the critical need for internet access for students. This American Rescue Plan funding will ensure that every kid has the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and help close the homework gap,” said Trahan.
“Known as the ‘homework gap,’” a statement added, “students who lack access to the internet at home often fall behind their peers as curriculums and educational opportunities rely more and more on the ability to conduct online research and connect to the web. To combat that issue, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan, which created the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund Program. This new program provides funding to schools and libraries to help cover costs of laptop and tablet computers, Wi-Fi hotspots, modems, routers, and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students, school staff, and library patrons.”