Ensuring that students have access to high-speed internet topped the Public School Forum’s list of Top Ten Education Issues for 2021.
Access to broadband became critical for students and school districts last spring when Gov. Roy Cooper ordered schools closed for in-person instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Without high-speed internet, many students were unable to connect to remote learning. Students in the rural parts of the state found connecting to classrooms especially difficult.
According to the public schools advocacy group, 192,000 of the state’s 1.5 million students lived in homes without access to high-speed internet.
It also reported that more than 30 percent of state households cannot afford broadband, lack needed infrastructure or the digital literacy skills to effectively access and use high speed internet.
State awards nearly $30 million to rural areas to expand internet access The projects outlined by providers and cooperatives across the state are expected to connect nearly 16,000 households and around 700 businesses to broadband internet. (Source: Pexels.com) By WECT Staff | December 17, 2020 at 5:13 PM EST - Updated December 17 at 5:13 PM
RALEIGH, N.C. (WECT) - Governor Cooper announced Thursday that a total of $29.8 million is being awarded for internet expansion projects in 18 counties including Brunswick, Bladen and Columbus.
The projects outlined by providers and cooperatives across the state are expected to connect nearly 16,000 households and around 700 businesses to high-speed, broadband internet.
“This pandemic is shining a light on the need for better high speed internet access in rural communities,” said Governor Cooper. “These projects will make sure the internet can connect people to the education, health care and jobs they need.”