Supporting
Distance Learning

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, schools across America shifted to distance learning. But some students couldn’t participate because their families didn’t subscribe to the internet. That’s why internet service providers are partnering with schools, school districts and other community partners to connect students across the country to broadband.

Connecting America's Students

Distance learning partnerships help ensure that every student can use broadband to learn from home

What is being done to connect students?

Broadband companies already provide a significant portion of American families with high-speed internet. Now, they are expanding broadband adoption programs for low-income families and working with schools to ensure that every student can participate in distance learning. These partnerships will mean that every student can use to internet to learn, connect with teachers and continue their education from home.

How do distance learning partnerships work?

Partnering with broadband providers allows school districts to rapidly connect their students to high-speed internet.

The school district identifies students and families in need of an internet connection. Partnering broadband providers then step-in to get those households connected, often for little or no cost as the school district pays the monthly service fee. In some cases, families can also get a laptop computer at low-or-no cost.

How can I make a difference?

Our community is keeping track of distance learning partnerships across the country. We will need your voice to ensure these partnerships continue through the pandemic and connect students for the long-term.

You can sign up to receive updates and alerts about ways to get involved in the future.

Making Internet Affordable for Everyone*

Select your state to display information on internet programs for eligible families

Adoption Programs
*Programs are available to qualified individuals and families
NH
VT
MA
RI
CT
NJ
DE
MD
DC

What You Need to Know

8
million Americans
have been connected by low-cost broadband adoption programs
Source: NCTA
$
10–20
per month
the average cost of programs that help low-income families afford broadband
Source: NCTA
25/3
Mbps
the average internet speed offered by programs that connect low-income families
Source: NCTA

Explore Stories About Distance Learning

Learn more about partnerships that benefit students and families across America

Aug
20
2024
Back-to-School Essentials: The Role of High-Speed Internet in Modern Learning
It’s August, and the back-to-school season is in full swing! Families are busy stocking up on essential supplies —pencils, notebooks, backpacks, and... Read More
May
11
2023
Teacher Appreciation Week Q&A: How One Teacher Is Helping to Bridge the Digital Skills Gap
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, we sat down with one educator who goes above and beyond for her students –... Read More
Mar
2
2023
Scaling Up Digital Skills to Help Close the Digital Divide
There is overwhelming demand for workers with digital skills across all industries – not just the tech sector – but nearly one-third of the American workforce lacks foundational digital... Read More
Aug
31
2022
Access to Distance Learning – How Students Are Staying Connected
Over the course of a week in March 2020, schools across the country had to unexpectedly close their doors amidst the start of the COVID... Read More
Jan
6
2022
Light in the Darkness: Looking Back
at 2021 and Forward in 2022
Hello 2022! Last year may have started with optimism and ended with disappointment, but there’s confidence that better days lie ahead, and that America will... Read More
Nov
11
2021
Bridging the Digital Divide: How Broadband Kept Us Learning During COVID
While the COVID pandemic disrupted every facet of our lives, few areas were as affected as education. After the onset of the pandemic, over a hundred thousand... Read More
Aug
12
2021
Back to School With Broadband: Here’s What You Need to Know
School is back in session! And thanks to widely accessible vaccines, many schools across the country are welcoming students back to campuses this fall. This... Read More
May
21
2021
How an Internet Connection Changed Everything for a D.C. Family
After LaJoy Johnson-Law found out that she qualified to receive discounted internet through her local broadband provider, life as she knew it changed for the... Read More

Hear from Parents and Educators

“The connection that we made with Mediacom is about more than education. An internet connection gives families access to social services, and provides access to job listings if their parents lose work. Broadband helps close the gap.”

Phil Roeder
The Des Moines Public School District, Iowa

“If the private and educational sectors come together, we really can wrap our arms around communities. We can wrap our arms around students. No matter what age, wherever they are, we can make sure we get them connected and address the needs they might have.”

Ashley Turner
Lone Star College, Texas