Families of eligible students in the Cañon City School District can now access free internet service through the newly launched Kids Connect program. This initiative, developed in partnership with Visionary Broadband, aims to provide reliable broadband to students who qualify under the free and reduced lunch program. Funded by a Colorado Rural Connectivity grant, the program is designed to help students excel in an increasingly technology-driven educational environment.
At the start of the 2023 school year, the Kids Connect program is set to benefit over 200 students. With Visionary Broadband expanding its coverage in Cañon City nearly every month, the initiative promises to reach even more families in the coming years. Brian Worthen, CEO of Visionary Broadband, emphasized the program’s potential impact, stating, “The Kids Connect program has the potential to relieve a financial burden for families, and we hope they will take advantage.”
Many students participating in this program currently rely on cellular and handheld devices for internet access. The Kids Connect initiative aims to bridge this gap in access inequality, ensuring that all students have the necessary resources to thrive academically. Once families are verified by the school district, Visionary Broadband will coordinate installation directly with them. The program will cover the costs of service installation, alleviating parents from the burden of upfront payments or reimbursement tracking.
Adam Hartman, Superintendent of the Cañon City School District, praised the initiative, saying, “Being able to access online resources at home means families and students alike have access to up-to-date school notices and online resources. The Kids Connect program is an amazing initiative, and we hope to see lots of applications this school year.”
The Kids Connect program is set to run for a duration of ten years, contingent upon the availability of funds. To participate, qualifying families must complete the Free and Reduced Lunch enrollment form and a Kids Connect interest form through the school. Interested families can find the interest form at bit.ly/CCSDInternet.
Founded in 1994 in a rural community in Wyoming, Visionary Broadband has developed a strong reputation for providing reliable internet services. Today, the company serves five states and focuses on connecting the most rural communities with affordable and efficient broadband solutions. For more information about the company, visit vcn.com.
By addressing connectivity issues for students in the Cañon City School District, the Kids Connect program represents a significant step towards reducing educational inequalities within the community. The initiative not only aims to enhance students’ learning experiences but also aims to strengthen family engagement with educational resources.