CONGRESSMAN MORELLE DELIVERS FUNDING TO ENSURE STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO WIFI

(Rochester, NY)—Today, Congressman Morelle announced nearly $14 million in federal funding has helped Monroe County schools and libraries bridge the digital divide and provide reliable internet access to families. The Emergency Connectivity Fund program—which Rep. Morelle voted to enact last year as a part of the American Rescue Plan—supports local schools and libraries and ensures students can access the internet from home without logistical or financial burden.

“This pandemic has highlighted the necessity of reliable internet access to participate in today’s society—especially for children and families who are engaged in remote learning or working,” said Rep. Joe Morelle. “I was proud to enact the Emergency Connectivity Program in the American Rescue Plan over a year ago to ensure students and their families have the internet access necessary to stay connected and get their work done. I am pleased that so many local organizations benefited from this program, and I’ll continue fighting to ensure that everyone—regardless of their zip code or circumstance—has equitable access to the internet.”

“We’ve known for quite some time that access to the internet technology and digital resources are an academic necessity for student success, and that without these resources the ability for all students to equitably engage in learning was limited,” said Jackie Campbell, Director of the ROC the Future Alliance. “This limitation was significantly underscored and highly evident during the pandemic.  The Emergency Connectivity Program will help to ensure that students and families have the access they need for their future success.  We applaud Congressman Morelle for his steadfast support of Rochester students and families, so that equitable access to the internet and digital equipment becomes the standard for all, instead of the few.”

“Digital literacy in our world today is as important as having rich experiences with the written word,” said Sherry Johnson, Executive Director of the Monroe County School Boards Association. “Our students must be able to safely and successfully navigate a world dominated by technology. The digital divide has been an incredible barrier to many of our students, leaving them all but out of a world that so many of us are able to access for our financial stability and our health and wellness. We thank Congressman Morelle for his work to provide this critical funding to our school districts and BOCES in order that all our students have the tools to begin a comprehensive education journey that includes digital literacy.”

“The ECF funding provided to the Monroe County Library System allowed us to purchase 300 MiFi units for loan through the Central Library,” said Patricia Uttaro, Director of the Rochester and Monroe County Public Library Systems. “Since August 2021, the units purchased with ECF funds were borrowed 1194 times, providing necessary internet access to people across Monroe County. We are grateful to Representative Morelle for his role in securing these funds for our library system.”

Specifically, the Emergency Connectivity Fund program helps cover the 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. The following Monroe County schools and libraries have received funding as a part of this program:

• Eugenio Maria De Hostos Charter School Intermediate: $466,980.50
• Greece Central School District: $1,138,200
• Holy Childhood School: $6,792.84
• Mary Cariola Children’s Center: $23,520
• McQuaid Jesuit High School: $21,600
• Monroe 1 BOCES Consortium: $44,350
• Monroe County Library System: $103,320
• Nativity Preparatory Academy: $28,728
• Our Lady of Mercy: $48,000
• Pembroke Central School District: $12,000
• Renaissance Academy Charter School of The Arts: $20,000
• Rochester Academy Charter School: $177,265.80
• Rochester City School District: $11,633,940.50
• Rochester School for The Deaf: $19,204
• The Charles Finney School: $76,126.60
• University Preparatory Charter School for Young Men: $142,152.92
• Vertus Charter School: $36,032.60