To help close the digital divide and enable more students to participate in 21^st century educational and workforce opportunities this semester, Educate Texas, a strategic initiative of Communities Foundation of Texas, is concluding a project made possible by The Allstate Foundation after delivering hardware and software to hundreds of households experiencing broadband connectivity issues in Dallas’ Southern Region. More than 10,000 individuals, including students, their family members, and district employees, are benefiting from access to the new devices delivered by this initiative.

Educate Texas is working with Lancaster ISD, Desoto ISD, and Cedar Hill ISD to remove barriers for their students struggling to access virtual classrooms and academic materials during the COVID-19 pandemic. As virtual learning is still a necessity for many students and families nationwide, Southern Dallas County schools continue to experience difficulties in delivering quality virtual instruction to many students.

In addition to providing devices to equip students for the digital learning environment, this initiative is also providing in-person training sessions for parents that will equip them to engage with their children’s learning. These trainings support the districts’ goal to improve digital citizenship and internet safety knowledge for students and families.

“Thriving communities are built on equitable solutions and access. We are committed to delivering critical resources to all of North Texas,” said Dave Scullin, President and CEO of Communities Foundation of Texas. “This investment allows these Southern Dallas County school districts to continue their work to educate and serve students, improving academic outcomes for the most vulnerable during an exceptionally challenging school year.”

Educate Texas works with partners to identify areas with ongoing gaps in internet service and technology resources. With many African American, Latino, and underserved students experiencing the greatest technological gaps in accessing virtual schooling, this investment in Southern Dallas County advances the critical work of increasing equity and accessibility in the Texas education system, a primary objective of Educate Texas.

Educate Texas at Communities Foundation of Texas also supports statewide and local internet access efforts with a variety of partners, including the Governor’s Operation Connectivity, Digital Texas, Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Dallas County’s Internet for All Coalition, San Antonio’s Digital Inclusion Alliance, and the Texas Rural Funders Collaborative.