Monday, February 12, 2024
Dear Titan Families,
We want to inform you about an important change regarding providing hotspots and home internet service for students in our district.
Effective February 28, 2024, the district will no longer be able to cover the costs of hotspots or home internet service for students. This decision comes from funding constraints that have necessitated difficult choices regarding our budget allocations.
While we regret any disruption this may cause, we remain committed to supporting our students' academic success to the best of our ability. We encourage families affected by this change to explore alternative options for internet access, such as low-cost plans offered by local providers or community resources.
Such community options to ensure continued connectivity in your household include:
Spectrum: Internet Assist. Speeds and prices vary depending on the exact location, but in Lorain, it generally costs $29.99 (plus tax), which includes equipment. Apply here.
PCs for People has a hotspot plan that costs $15/month, plus a one-time equipment cost of $60 (so families would pay $75 the first month and $15/month after that). Hotspots are on the T-Mobile network. Data is unlimited, but speeds may vary. PCs for People also sells refurbished laptops and desktop computers at discounted prices.
T-Mobile Project 10 Million: Free hotspot with 100GB per year. Limit of 1 hotspot per child. 100GB is loaded onto the hotspot each year for five years. Apply here.
Verizon: Verizon Forward offers a $20/month discount on 5G and LTE home internet plans, which are available in areas of Lorain. Customers using Verizon as their mobile phone provider will receive additional discounts. Qualifying customers must have someone in the home who receives Lifeline (see below), WIC, or a Pell Grant. (Note that free/reduced lunch status is not a qualifier for Verizon Forward.)
Government Assistance
Lifeline: This government program provides a $9.25/month discount on cell phone or internet service. Before applying, please check which companies accept the Lifeline benefit here. Qualifying households have income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guideline, OR at least one person in the household receiving SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Apply at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/. (Note that free/reduced lunch status is not a qualifier for Lifeline.)
Additional Help
The Ohio Connectivity Champions can check to see if any other providers offer internet service to your home and help you determine the best option for your family. The Connectivity Champions does not provide internet services but is a provider-neutral, no-cost resource to help you find what you need. They can be reached at:
844-512-6446 option 2, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Webform: https://www.ohio-k12.help/connectivity-champions/ (tap "Get Help")
Email or Text: [email protected]
Please know that our dedication to providing a high-quality education for all students remains unwavering, and we are here to support you during this transition period. Again, all services will end as of February 28, 2024. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please do not hesitate to email the Director of Information Technology, Drew Stevens, at [email protected]
We appreciate your understanding.
Please contact your child's school counselor if you need proof of enrollment in Lorain City Schools to verify eligibility for the programs listed above. Lorain City Schools families may qualify for some programs as all students receive meals through the Community Eligibility Provision of the School Lunch Program.