Hamilton County Schools' free internet program increases parental involvement, research shows

Since the EdConnect program launched in 2020, more than 16,000 low-income students in Hamilton County, Tennessee, and 28,000 of their family members have received free internet in their homes. The effort works to close the digital divide and involves parents more in the education of their children. In providing universal internet access to students and parents, EdConnect effectively eliminated disparities between which families engaged with schools and which didn't. Parents have the option to enroll to EdConnect via phone, an online form, a paper form and other ways depending on the school. Eligible students include those receiving free or reduced-cost lunch, those who attend a school where every student receives free or reduced-cost lunch or whose family participates in federal nutrition programs or receives other economic assistance. Students are eligible for the EdConnect for up to 10 years, or the entirety of their time at Hamilton County Schools.