Chicago Connected is a groundbreaking program that provides no-cost, high-speed internet service to Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students and their families. This first-of-its-kind program is one of the largest efforts by any city to provide internet access for students. SWOP has a team of callers who inform CPS families of their eligibility, connect families to their internet provider, and answer any questions that families may have regarding Chicago Connected.

During a time where remote learning and social distancing are the norm, this service has become essential to providing those without the means to access high-speed internet the ability to continue to work, keep up with their studies and stay connected to their friends and family. When asked about the work, Imaltzin Astorga, a Chicago Connected organizer had this to say. “My hope for this work is that it becomes a permanent program for CPS families, along with more Digital Learning offerings because being connected to the internet is only part of it, knowing how to use the internet is just as important.”

CPS families having access to free internet eliminates any barrier of accessibility as much of the students’ work is online now, whether it’s receiving assignments through email or learning via Zoom, being connected to the internet is no longer a worry for CPS families.

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