The 1Million Project Foundation and Evolution Academy Charter School System announced today that nearly 800 high school students who don't already have access to the internet at home will receive free wireless devices and 10GB of high-speed wireless data access per month.

The 1Million Project Foundation launched in August 2017 with a mission to help one million high school students achieve their full potential by ensuring they have the digital tools and connectivity they need to succeed in school. During the past two school years, the initiative has connected a total of 226,000 students total at over 1,900 high schools in 33 states will receive internet access and devices. The foundation expects more than 70 new school districts and more than 100,000 high school students nationwide to join the initiative in its third year.

“The prevalence of technology in our society today means that more and more schools have turned to digital curricula to arm students with the skills they need to succeed after they leave high school,” said Doug Michelman, president of the 1Million Project Foundation. “Teachers today are using video games, apps and social media to connect with and teach students. That connection extends well beyond the classroom, but only for those that have internet access at home. Students whose families cannot afford internet connectivity are at a severe disadvantage. With the support of Sprint, we are working hard to make a meaningful impact in eligible students’ lives by providing both a device and connectivity to help level the playing field.”

Right here in the U.S., there are more than five million families with school-aged kids who do not have home internet access.[1] Unfortunately, this means that millions of students lack the devices and connectivity needed to have an equal shot at success.

“Our vision for improving low-performing schools is to commit to serving disconnected youth by enabling our students to achieve academic, social, and career success, said Cynthia Trigg, superintendent and founder of Evolution Academy Charter Schools. “Evolution Academy’s goals and core values are in perfect alignment with the 1Million Project. We were notified of our acceptance in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic shelter-in-place executive orders. The 1Million Project allowed us to shift our existing online learning model and accommodate students who would not otherwise have access to computers or Internet for home learning.”

The 1Million Project Foundation will distribute devices and provide service to eligible students at the at Evolution Academy campuses in Dallas, Houston and Beaumont, Texas. Each participating student will receive either a free smartphone or hotspot device and 10GB of high-speed LTE data per month for up to four years while they are in high school. Unlimited data is available at 265 kbps speeds if usage exceeds 10GB in a month. Every device has a Free Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) compliant content filter to block adult content and malware. Students who receive a smartphone receive unlimited voice and text while on the Sprint network and may also use it as a hotspot.

In a survey of those who participated in the first year of the program, the vast majority of students (84%) said the 1Million Project made it easier for them to complete more of their homework in a comfortable, convenient, and safe place. Looking forward, 74% said they are more willing to work hard to graduate from high school. And, 68% said they are more likely to go to college. Administrators reported improved attitudes toward learnings, homework completion rates and school attendance among students.

Schools or districts who want to apply for the fourth year of the program, which begins with the 2020-2021 school year, can visit www.1millionproject.org to learn more. Applicants will receive a response by spring 2020. Anyone looking to support the program can visit 1millionproject.org/donate to make a donation via credit card.[2]