ARLINGTON – Major cable provider Mediacom is one of several broadband cable providers committed to a new initiative helping low-income families get access to the internet.
The Connect to Compete Initiative is a cooperative effort between the Federal Communications Commission and broadband cable providers to provide families on the national free and reduced school lunch program with internet access at home for less than ten dollars a month for two years.
Mediacom serves about 300 communities in Iowa ranging from larger cities like Cedar Rapids and Des Moines to smaller towns like Glidden and Strawberry Point.
Teachers say internet access is key for students to succeed with more technology based curriculum. Sheryl Nelson is an 11th grade English teacher at Starmont High School in Arlington. This year she started an online honors English course with ten students currently enrolled.
“I hate to say it, but one of the requirements is you have online access at home,” Nelson said.
Nelson worries some talented students might pass up the chance to join her course simply because they can’t get online easily after school.
“I don’t think any teacher would want to see a student lose an opportunity, because they couldn’t get access to something most people have access to,” she said.
But at around thirty-seven dollars a month, an online hook up at home is pricey for low-income families. That’s why the teachers and administrators at Starmont are encouraged by the Connect to Compete Initiative.
“We want every family to be on the same level playing field,” said Superintendent Matt O’Loughlin. “We want to be sure these students and their families can get access to the internet.”
The high school staff knows some parents in the district will take their kids to public libraries after school just to get on the web.
“I think they don’t want to be an inconvenience,” said Teacher and Technology Director at Starmont, Janet Becker. “So they might not ask. We’d make arrangements, but they just might not ask.”
The teachers say they look forward to cable companies offering the cheaper internet in hopes it will ease stress on these families and students trying to keep up with the cost of internet-infused education.
Specific details about when the program officially goes into effect for cable providers have not yet been released.
