As K-12 schools face unique challenges heading into the 2020-2021 school year in the midst of a pandemic, Sparklight is helping to close the digital divide with donations that will provide students in need with access to technology.
Sparklight recently donated $15,000 to Idaho Business for Education in support of the organization’s “Close the Divide” drive, which provided laptops to help narrow the achievement gap for students across Idaho.
“With many schools and families opting for distance learning this fall, Sparklight is honored to support Idaho Business for Education in its efforts to create an equitable learning environment for all students,” said Celynda Roach, Sparklight’s Senior General Manager in Boise.
The company also recently donated hundreds of Chromebooks to Title I schools throughout its service area, including a donation to Meridian Elementary School in Meridian.
Meridian Elementary School Principal Debbie Aholt said Sparklight’s Chromebook donation will allow students flexibility with learning and enhance teachers’ ability to continue to deliver quality instruction – regardless of where the student is located.
“Sparklight’s Chromebook donation will be useful both in the classroom and with distance learning – allowing students another tool to access high levels of learning, whether in-person or remote,” Aholt said. “Our world is forever evolving, and these younger students are evolving with it. The future is full of unknowns and, as educators, it is our job to help our students become life-long learners.”
Over the past seven years Sparklight has donated more than 1,500 Chromebooks to Title I schools in the markets it serves.