PHILADELPHIA, April 3, 2020 — The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia announced today it has received a $100,000 contribution from Bank of America to give laptops to Philadelphia students so they can begin learning from home by mid-April.
According to a 2019 School District survey, only about half of third-through-12th-grade students have the equipment they need to begin participating in remote learning. This gift from Bank of America will support the purchase of Chromebooks which will help level the playing field and ensure that all students who attend the 220 District-led public schools across Philadelphia have the tools they need to learn at home.
“The School District of Philadelphia is integral to our community and all of our city’s children deserve the opportunity to be successful,” said Jim Dever, Philadelphia market president, Bank of America. “We are here to support our youth in helping to ensure they have the tools they need to learn. We must all work together as one community to address the impact of the coronavirus.”
The new laptops will be distributed along with the laptops already in school buildings to students and families. Once the equipment is received at the School District headquarters, it will be dispensed by mid-April. During the interim two weeks, the laptops will be prepared for the students and the District teachers will receive professional development to support remote instruction.
"We are so grateful to Bank of America for its generous gift to help thousands of our students, many of whom will for the first time be able to access remote learning from home,” said Superintendent William R. Hite, Jr. ,Ed.D. " Giving students the resources, tools, and confidence they need now will ensure that they are prepared for the future."
“Amid all the challenges of this crisis, I’m struck by all the ways it has brought out the best in all of us,” said Donna Frisby-Greenwood, President & CEO for The School District of Philadelphia. “We are focusing these resources on the number one priority—Philadelphia’s children—and will do our part to implement this much needed and appreciated gift."
Students and their families who don’t already have internet access can get it through any Internet Service Provider (ISP) in Philadelphia. Comcast is currently offering low-income families who don’t already have internet service two free months through Internet Essentials, which is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive high-speed internet adoption program.
The Fund for the School District of Philadelphia identifies, coordinates and connects philanthropic resources to level the playing field in local public schools. The Fund's partnership with the School District of Philadelphia seeks to promote equity, safety, and improved performance.
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