ConnectHome – low to no cost internet access and computer devices

In July, 2015 The Department of Housing and Urban Development announced ConnectHome. In just a few months the City of Rockford and Rockford Housing Authority became one of 28 pilot sites in the nation. In October, RHA and the City hosted a convening of providers and partners to roll out ConnectHome in 2016.

“We know our families struggle to connect to the internet. Lacking connectivity is an impediment to education and job access. I am excited by ConnectHome and what it can mean to success for our families as they move in, move up and move on,” Ron Clewer, CEO, RHA.

ConnectHome is a platform for collaboration between local governments, public housing agencies, Internet service providers, philanthropic foundations, nonprofit organizations, and other relevant stakeholders that will produce local solutions for narrowing the digital divide.

ConnectHome will help RHA public housing families connect to opportunities – educational and job related. The ConnectHome initiative provides resources to families, from toddler to adult, with on and offline resources.

The Step-by-Step Learning Path presents the full ABCmouse.com curriculum in a carefully designed program of more than 450 lessons in six levels.

Khan Academy offers practice exercises, instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard that empower learners to study at their own pace in and outside of the classroom.

The College Board is a mission-driven not-for-profit organization that connects students to college success and opportunity. Founded in 1900, the College Board was created to expand access to higher education. The College Board and the nonprofit Khan Academy® have teamed up to provide free, personalized SAT study resources for all students.

As noted above online access to job opportunities is essential for residents looking for employment.

ConnectHome is the next step in the President’s continued efforts to expand high speed broadband to all Americans and builds on his ConnectED initiative that is on track to connect 99 percent of K-12 students to high-speed Internet in their classrooms and libraries over the next five years.  ConnectHome will help ensure that these students still have access to high-speed Internet and computers once they are home so they can do their homework.

ConnectHome will make sure the parents also have access to job training opportunities, job applications and employers.

This month’s promotion – Internet Essentials – $9.95/month internet access

Working side-by-side with our schools, government, and non-profit partners, we have connected more than 500,000 families—over two-million low-income Americans—to the power of the Internet in their homes. For more information on Internet Essentials please go to https://internetessentials.com/ or contact ConnectHome@rockfordha.com.

RHA residents interested in signing up for ConnectHome please contact ConnectHome@rockfordha.com today!