To meet the pressing internet connectivity needs of the District’s students, the SAISD Foundation is focusing its fundraising efforts on bringing wireless access to each and every SAISD student.
With the sudden shift to online learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the District has accelerated its plans for investments in devices from a three-year venture to three weeks, with 30,000 Chromebooks recently acquired. The need for hot spots is also growing, as more and more are needed for families to address internet access needs. As of April 10, more than 3,500 hot spots will have been distributed to campuses - and the SAISD Foundation is helping to make that happen.
The SAISD Foundation has put a hold on any other fundraising efforts to focus on raising $1 million, which will be used to maintain monthly internet service for those devices through the end of 2020. As of April 8, 2020, the Foundation has raised $324,438.
“What is really meaningful for me is the number and diversity of those who have been quick to donate,” said Judy Geelhoed, executive director of the SAISD Foundation. “So far, 125 individuals have made a gift, the majority of whom have not given previously. The fact that alumni, staff, parents and community members are rallying support along with corporations and private foundations in this time of competing urgent needs is humbling and demonstrates the value they place on education for all students.”
SAISD parent Heather Eichling’s 7-year-old attends Lamar Elementary School. Eichling sees first-hand how not having internet access affects some of her son’s classmates. “My point of view is that connectivity is not a privilege, it is a basic need for our families,” Eichling said.
In addition to his online school work, Eichling said her son’s ability to meet with his teacher and classmates in live, 30-minute sessions not only helps him academically, it also provides him the emotional support of his peers. She worries about his classmates who don’t have internet access to participate in online sessions.
“Some families can’t consistently do that,” she said. “One of the students uses their neighbor’s Wi-Fi, so if their neighbor isn’t around, they can’t get online. Connectivity a basic need at this point.”
Soifa Bahena, a graduate of Fox Tech High School who is now an assistant professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio, said the COVID-19 crisis has exposed the digital divide that is present in San Antonio.
“As an alum of SAISD, giving back through the SAISD Foundation is a concrete and immediate way to have a positive effect on our students,” she said. “Every little bit matters.”
Geelhoed said she feels that people want to help others in difficult times like this, but they don’t think they can do anything large enough to make a difference.
“But for just $25, you can help our kids get connected and be part of the solution,” she said. “That $25 provides a whole month of service to one of our students, which makes a huge impact on their education during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
If you are interested in helping close the digital divide in SAISD, consider donating to the SAISD Foundation’s #ConnectCampaign.