April 1, 2020
For Immediate Release
CONTACT:
Office of Communications
301-952-6001
communications@pgcps.org
UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Today, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Monica Goldson allocated $2 million to cover the cost of internet connectivity for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) students who do not have access to technology during the COVID-19 school closure. Last week, PGCPS surveyed students and families about technology access in preparation for distance learning. Final attempts will conclude Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
The PGCPS distance learning program will include the distribution of Chromebooks to students. To further strengthen its commitment to the community, the school system has partnered with Comcast and Verizon to provide broadband access. In addition to providing devices and broadband access, the Connect PGCPS Fund through the Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS will support philanthropic donations that will assist with the financial responsibility associated with internet connectivity.
“Today, we are embarking on a new phase of teaching and learning through technology,” said Dr. Goldson. “Many of our families and students have access to internet services to complete assignments online, while for others, this may be a completely new experience. This shift to online learning is a necessity for the safety of our community and will continue to ensure students have access to high-quality education.
“We are grateful to all who have offered to help defray the cost of internet connectivity, including a $20,000 contribution from UnitedHealthcare and a recent $100,000 donation from former PGCPS student and University of Maryland graduate Sam Brin. His donation, in partnership with the Greater Washington Community Foundation, will ensure every senior in need has internet access for the remainder of the school year. While I do not expect our PGCPS families to replace our professional educators, I do know that this will be a journey that we will take together.”
“We are proud to do our part at UnitedHealthcare to support the 136,000 students of PGCPS, and we applaud the dedication of the educators, administrators and staff who are making a positive difference for the future,” said Joe Ochipinti, UnitedHealthcare Mid-Atlantic CEO. “During this challenging time, UnitedHealthcare is working closely with our partners in communities in Maryland and across the country to address the needs of our neighbors and those we serve.”
As PGCPS continues to develop innovative options to offer a digital lifeline to students in need, the school system is encouraging local partners, businesses, nonprofits and churches to help. By opening the internet at local facilities, the community can create free wireless hotspots around the county to ensure students’ continuity of learning.
PGCPS will turn on WiFi access points at several schools throughout the county to allow students and staff to connect from the parking lot of these sites, starting Tuesday, April 14. More details on device pickup and internet access are below:
Families who completed the PGCPS technology survey or communicated their needs to teachers and administrators will receive priority distribution. For more information on the survey, please send an email to T3@pgcps.org.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created extraordinary hurdles for many students left behind by the digital divide, and more donations are needed. All donations and contributions can be made to the Connect PGCPS Fund through the Excellence in Education Foundation for PGCPS. More donations and commitments will be announced later this week.
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